Thousands of March and March supporters took to the streets in Durban on June 30, demanding that illegal immigrants leave the country.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ANA Studio
The South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal immigration, border-related crime and human trafficking following nationwide protests against irregular migration that took place across the country on Tuesday.
The protests, organised under the banner of anti-illegal immigration campaigns, drew thousands of demonstrators in several provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
Protesters called for tougher border security, stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, arguing that illegal immigration has contributed to crime, unemployment and pressure on public services.
During a media briefing, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on migration thanked South Africans who exercised their constitutional right to protest peacefully, while commending community leaders, organisers, civil society organisations, religious leaders and law enforcement agencies for ensuring that demonstrations remained largely orderly.
While demonstrations were mostly peaceful, police responded to isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting in some areas. Government warned that those who exploited the marches to commit criminal acts would face arrest and prosecution.
"Those who chose to exploit the marches to commit criminal acts will face the full might of the law," the IMC said, adding that police would continue identifying and arresting those responsible.
The IMC said the orderly nature of the protests demonstrated the strength of South Africa's constitutional democracy, allowing citizens to express their concerns while respecting the rights and dignity of others.
It also acknowledged that many South Africans have genuine concerns about unemployment, irregular migration, service delivery failures, border management and public safety, saying these issues deserve to be addressed through lawful and democratic processes rather than violence or vigilantism.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in parts of Johannesburg, including Hillbrow, where law enforcement agencies maintained a heavy presence following reports of unrest linked to the anti-illegal immigration demonstrations. Authorities confirmed that security operations were strengthened in affected areas to maintain public order and protect businesses and residents.
The committee also revealed that government has intensified deportation and repatriation efforts in recent days.
According to the latest figures, authorities have repatriated 4,286 foreign nationals and deported a further 419 people from affected provinces as part of ongoing enforcement operations.
Government said it would continue pursuing criminal syndicates involved in human trafficking, labour exploitation, corruption and other offences linked to irregular migration while ensuring that all enforcement actions comply with the constitution and the rule of law.
The IMC reiterated that South Africa's objective is to maintain secure borders, enforce immigration laws fairly and protect the safety of communities without undermining the country's constitutional values.
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