South African government has assured residents that Tuesday, June 30, will remain a normal working day despite planned nationwide anti-immigration protests and calls by some civic groups for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement posted on its official X account, the government dismissed speculation of a nationwide shutdown, saying public institutions and businesses would continue operating as usual.
“Tuesday, 30 June 2026 remains a normal working day. Public services, schools and businesses are expected to continue operating as normal,” the statement read, urging citizens to rely only on verified government information.
The reassurance comes as anti-immigration groups, including the March and March Movement and Operation Dudula, mobilise supporters to protest illegal immigration, unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
The groups have declared June 30 as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, although the government has repeatedly stated that no such official ultimatum exists.
Authorities warned that anyone attempting to intimidate residents, disrupt businesses or incite violence during the demonstrations would face legal consequences.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi said economic and social activities would proceed without interruption, while the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that officers had been deployed to identified hotspots to maintain law and order.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also distanced his administration from the June 30 campaign, insisting that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state.
“We must not allow South Africans to be duped and to be misled by those who want to foster instability,” Ramaphosa said earlier this month.
South Africa has experienced recurring tensions over immigration, fuelled by an unemployment rate of more than 30 per cent and concerns among some citizens that undocumented migrants contribute to crime, job competition and pressure on public services.
In recent weeks, Operation Dudula and other anti-immigration groups have organised demonstrations in cities including Johannesburg, calling for tighter border controls and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations, including the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, have urged restraint, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could trigger xenophobic violence. Several African diplomatic missions have also advised their citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant ahead of the planned protests.
The government also dismissed viral social media posts claiming it had endorsed the June 30 deadline, describing them as false and misleading.
Officials said the fabricated notices, some bearing government insignia and reportedly generated using artificial intelligence, were intended to spread panic and misinformation.
Police said they were monitoring social media platforms for incitement and coordinating with private security firms to protect critical infrastructure and public spaces.
South Africa has witnessed repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with foreign-owned businesses often targeted during periods of unrest.
The government reiterated that immigration enforcement would continue through lawful processes and urged residents to go about their normal activities while avoiding areas where protests are expected.
