Inside June 30: South Africa braces for nationwide protests against illegal immigration

With protests targeting illegal immigrants expected across South Africa on Tuesday, June 30, law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain vigilant.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has warned of traffic disruptions and safety risks in key hotspots, including Hillbrow, Berea and the CBD.

Law enforcement agencies across the country have confirmed increased deployments across the country, while transport operators and municipalities have outlined contingency plans to minimise disruption.

In the City of Johannesburg, JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed that only three officially sanctioned marches are planned to unfold concurrently in the Johannesburg Inner City, Hillbrow, and Midrand (Glen Austin) areas.

Given the anticipated turnout, significant traffic delays are expected from 7 am to 4 pm, compelling motorists and commuters to seek alternative routes. Fihla emphasised the need for caution: stating "Integrated law enforcement teams, including JMPD and SAPS Public Order Policing, will be deployed heavily across the city to monitor routes, manage traffic, and maintain public safety."

The proactive measure aims to ensure a peaceful demonstration while remaining prepared to swiftly address any spontaneous protests that may arise, underscoring the importance of public order during this potentially tense period.

In Cape Town, IOL reports that more than 2,000 Zimbabweans are crammed into a Cape Town refugee centre built to handle just 300, waiting in the cold to be sent home on the eve of the June 30 deadline.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the provincial government has indicated that there will be a strong contingent of law enforcement officials, made up of police, the army, and thousands of patrollers.

According to the Gauteng Provincial Joint Operational Structure, several locations are marked as potential hotspot areas for the bulk of protests, notably Park Station, Bree and Noord Taxi ranks as well as regions such as Soweto, Tembisa, Alexandra, and Katlehong.

In Pretoria, more than 10,000 participants are expected to converge on Church Square for the city's principal protest, culminating with the delivery of a memorandum of demands at the Sunny Side police station.

Determined to avoid a repeat of the July 2021 riots that claimed 350 lives and caused damage estimated at R50 billion, National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the government is better prepared for the planned protests on Tuesday led by anti-immigrant groups.

"We can assure the people of South Africa that we are well prepared, and we are focused on ensuring that we protect the citizens of this country. We have long maintained that we are not against the citizens marching; we are deployed to prevent unlawful demonstrations. We are deployed there to ensure that these demonstrations take place safely, securely, and in an orderly manner. We are there to protect life, safeguard property, and prevent criminality."

While addressing Soweto marchers outside the Protea Police station on Monday, Nkosikhona “Phakel’umthakathi” Ndabandaba told participants that they are not there to cause chaos, attack anyone, or remove President Cyril Ramaphosa from office. He said the march is about raising concerns over illegal immigration and demanding stronger government action on the issue.

"More than 10, 000 people were here with us, and nothing was destroyed...It did not take one year for the government to destroy the country. Therefore, we are not fools and know that we cannot win this war in just 18 months. What we want to do is to make sure that the government attends to these issues," he told marchers.

As a result of the protests, significant traffic disruptions and delays are anticipated between 7am and 4pm, as integrated law enforcement teams will remain on high alert and will be actively deployed to monitor and manage the entire city.

[email protected]