South African authorities are preparing a large-scale security response ahead of a planned nationwide shutdown on 30 June, with police, intelligence officials and defence authorities working together to prevent unrest and protect key infrastructure.
The operation comes as anti-illegal immigration movement March and March prepares demonstrations across the country, calling for stricter border enforcement and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. Organisers have repeatedly stated that their campaign is directed at illegal immigration rather than foreign nationals in general, rejecting accusations of xenophobia.
Government officials, however, are taking no chances amid concerns that isolated incidents of violence could escalate into broader unrest.
Authorities strengthen surveillance and deployment plans
Speaking during a media briefing on 22 June, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia outlined a range of measures that will be implemented before and during the protest period.
Police will increase their presence in identified hotspots, while intelligence teams will closely monitor online activity for signs of mobilisation, incitement or potential threats. Authorities believe social media monitoring will provide valuable insight into planned gatherings and possible security risks.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga said state agencies are also exploring the use of drones to improve situational awareness and identify road blockades or disruptions.
According to Motshekga, government departments will share available technological resources to support public safety operations. However, any direct military involvement would require authorisation from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
While the South African National Defence Force has been placed on standby as a precautionary measure, officials stressed that current intelligence assessments do not indicate a need for military deployment.
The planned operation is expected to cost approximately R600 million, reflecting the scale of preparations being undertaken by authorities.
Memories of the 2021 unrest remain fresh
Government concerns are largely shaped by the events of July 2021, when protests linked to the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma escalated into widespread riots across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
The unrest resulted in more than 300 deaths, extensive damage to businesses and infrastructure, and economic losses estimated at around R50 billion. It remains one of the most severe episodes of civil disorder since South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994.
Cachalia said lessons learned from those events have influenced current planning efforts.
Authorities have already identified areas where mobilisation is expected and are coordinating with provincial governments, municipalities, community policing forums and private security companies to strengthen preparedness.
The upcoming demonstrations also come against the backdrop of growing tensions surrounding immigration. In recent months, several communities have reported incidents targeting foreign nationals, while anti-immigration protests have emerged in different parts of the country.
The situation has prompted governments including Malawi, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe to assist thousands of their citizens wishing to return home. Reports indicate that more than 3,000 foreign nationals have already received support through repatriation initiatives.
Officials insist that the constitutional right to protest will be respected, but have warned that violence, intimidation and criminal activity will not be tolerated.
Cachalia said security agencies remain committed to ensuring public safety and maintaining stability regardless of the scale of the demonstrations.
As South Africa approaches 30 June, authorities hope that increased preparedness, improved coordination and rapid response capabilities will prevent the country from experiencing another period of large-scale unrest.
Source: MyBroadband, SAPS, JCPS Cluster