South Africa Says 30 June Will Be Business As Usual, Despite Protest Threats

The South African government has warned vigilantes and anti-migration groups that no one without authority is allowed to demand ID documents or proof of nationality from anyone.

Speaking at a media briefing on Friday, 26 June, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, said the government is ready to protect everyone in the country, both citizens and foreign nationals, from any form of abuse or intimidation.

The briefing comes just days before nationwide protests planned for Tuesday, 30 June, which are targeting undocumented foreign nationals.

Kubayi made it clear that 30 June 2026 will be a normal day in South Africa. She said the government will not tolerate anyone being blocked from clinics, hospitals, schools or any other public services.

She also warned that violence and intimidation, whether directed at foreign nationals or South Africans, are criminal offences.

“Advocates and perpetrators of racism, sexism, xenophobia, tribalism, hate speech, Afrophobia and any other form of intolerance have no place in our country that is founded on the ideals of Ubuntu and our founding document for our constitutional democracy – our Constitution,” said Kubayi.

She also warned that misinformation, incitement to hatred or violence, and fake news peddled on social media or other platforms will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Kubayi issued a further warning to employers who persist in hiring and exploiting undocumented migrants, insisting they will face prosecution under the Immigration Act.

More: IOL

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