By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
The South African government has reassured residents that Tuesday, June 30, will remain a normal working day despite planned anti-immigration protests scheduled to take place across parts of the country.
In an official statement, authorities urged citizens not to be misled by rumours circulating on social media about a nationwide shutdown, stressing that government offices, schools, businesses and other essential services would continue operating without interruption.
The reassurance comes as anti-immigration organisations, including Operation Dudula and the March and March Movement, prepare demonstrations calling for stricter immigration enforcement and the removal of undocumented migrants from the country.
The groups have publicly declared June 30 as a deadline for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa. However, the government clarified that no such ultimatum has been issued by any official authority.
Officials warned that while peaceful protest is protected under the law, anyone engaging in violence, intimidation, destruction of property or disruption of public activities would face prosecution.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi said there was no reason for residents to suspend their daily activities, adding that security agencies had taken necessary measures to maintain public order.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that security personnel had been deployed to areas considered vulnerable to unrest, with officers directed to protect lives, businesses and critical infrastructure throughout the demonstrations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also distanced his administration from the campaign, emphasising that immigration control remains the responsibility of government institutions and must be carried out in accordance with the law.
He urged South Africans not to be influenced by individuals or groups seeking to create fear or instability through misinformation.
South Africa has experienced recurring tensions over immigration in recent years, driven by concerns over unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. These issues have periodically sparked protests and, in some instances, xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals and their businesses.
Civil society organisations, including the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, have appealed for calm, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could fuel violence against migrants and other vulnerable communities.
Authorities also dismissed several viral posts claiming the government endorsed the June 30 deadline, describing the messages as fabricated and intended to spread panic. Officials noted that some of the false notices appeared to have been generated using artificial intelligence and urged the public to rely only on verified government communications.
The government reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws through legal and constitutional processes while encouraging residents to go about their normal activities and avoid areas where protests are expected.
