Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's says Gauteng has put measures in place to ensure public safety ahead of the 30 June protests, calling on residents to remain calm and allow law enforcement to act.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says the province supports the right to peaceful protest but warns that any violence or criminality linked to the planned 30 June 2026 shutdown over illegal immigration will be met with firm action.
Lesufi said Gauteng, which is home to a large number of foreign nationals, is preparing for potential disruptions linked to the planned shutdown and has put measures in place to ensure public safety and stability.
He said while government acknowledges concerns over illegal immigration, protests must remain within the bounds of the law.
“We fully support the right to peaceful protest. It is a cornerstone of our democracy and it is also enshrined in our constitution,” Lesufi said.
He added that the government shares the concerns raised by protesters and welcomes the measures already announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the issue.
Lesufi said the provincial government is engaging stakeholders and will next week convene a broad meeting aimed at finding long-term solutions to immigration-related concerns.
He also said law enforcement agencies have been briefed on the planned demonstrations and are ready to respond.
“We have met with law enforcement agencies in our province, and they have briefed us on the strategy to ensure that everything on the 30th of June and beyond is handled within the law with zero tolerance for violence,” he said.
Lesufi warned that any attempt to use the protest as cover for violence or lawlessness would not be tolerated.
“We will not allow anyone to use the protest as an excuse for taking the law into their own hands. Any conduct that amounts to criminality or violence will be met with firm action,” he said.
He called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement as preparations continue.
Lesufi said the provincial government remains committed to protecting all people and property in Gauteng.
Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says South Africa’s security apparatus is fully prepared for the 30 June shutdown, with law enforcement placed on heightened alert amid concerns over potential unrest and criminal disruptions.
Cachalia made the remarks during a national security briefing following a review of the integrated NATJOINTS operational plan.
He said while the recent voter registration weekend was largely peaceful, authorities recorded several serious violent incidents that raised concern ahead of the planned shutdown, including cases of murder, public violence, and contraventions of the Electoral Act.
Cachalia said police had recorded 12 incidents nationally, including four murders, and confirmed arrests linked to assault, malicious damage to property, and public violence.
He strongly condemned political violence, saying it had no place in South Africa’s democracy.
“Our message is clear: everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law,” he said, adding that criminality, intimidation, and destruction of property would not be tolerated.
Cachalia said SAPS had elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with continuous monitoring and deployment plans in place to protect communities and key infrastructure.
He added that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) could be deployed if additional capacity was required.
Government said coordination within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster had been strengthened to ensure rapid response capability ahead of the planned demonstrations.
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