South African government officials and political leaders have called for national unity and warned against violence as the 30 June 2026 date approaches, which has been earmarked by the group ‘March and March’ for protest action demanding the departure of undocumented foreign nationals. Authorities have confirmed that 30 June will remain a normal working day, with law enforcement agencies placed on high alert to monitor for potential disruptions or unlawful activity.
Official Stance On Planned Demonstrations
Speaking on behalf of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi emphasised the government’s position on the planned activities. The state has stated that the country’s economic and social functions must continue without interruption, explicitly rejecting the call for a national shutdown.
“We therefore declare that the 30th of June 2026 as a normal day for the country, economic and social activities will not be disrupted,” the minister said.
Security cluster ministers and other stakeholders previously convened to address threats of unrest linked to the campaign. Authorities have reiterated that any acts of intimidation, vigilantism, or violence will be met with the full force of the law.
Political Appeals For National Unity
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has appealed to South Africans to avoid succumbing to division, urging the public to refrain from scapegoating foreign nationals for national economic challenges. Speaking during an appearance on 24 June, he stressed the necessity of maintaining order while acknowledging the validity of economic concerns.
“Our frustration must never become hatred. And it must never become violence. We must never allow certain politicians or vigilantes to abuse the hardship caused by a failing economy to scapegoat and incite violence against foreign nationals to promote their own agendas,” Hill-Lewis stated.
The call for stability comes amid persistent tensions throughout 2026, with officials monitoring the situation closely following past experiences of civil unrest. The government maintains that immigration enforcement remains exclusively within the mandate of the state, and citizens are urged to report grievances through formal legal channels rather than resorting to extrajudicial protests.