The demonstrations are being driven by anti-immigration and civil society groups that have called on undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by the end of the month, warning failure to meet the deadline could result in mass protests and a national shutdown campaign.

North West police said security forces remain on high alert as the province enters what authorities have described as the March-to-March period. 

Government departments

North West police spokesperson Col. Adéle Myburgh said the provincial joint operational and intelligence structure, which includes the police and various government departments, remains fully mobilised.

“As we approach the March-to-March period, we remain committed to sustaining the momentum achieved through our efforts. The continued cooperation and vigilance of the communities together with the dedication of all role players are critical to maintaining stability, combating crime and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents of the North West province.”

Meanwhile, Free State provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia convened a meeting of the provincial joint operational and intelligence structure and key stakeholders on Sunday (21/6) to communicate national directives and outline security measures that will be implemented ahead of the planned protests.

Police spokesperson Brig. Thandi Mbambo said the meeting followed directives from president Cyril Ramaphosa and the minister of police instructing provincial commissioners to ensure the maintenance of law and order, stability and public safety during the planned national march.

During the engagement, Lesia stressed the importance of a coordinated approach involving all security stakeholders and government departments. 

Private security companies and other security agencies were encouraged to work closely with law enforcement authorities as force multipliers by assisting with the protection of critical infrastructure, sharing information and providing additional support on the ground.

Security stakeholders were directed to ensure stability throughout the province and prevent any form of lawlessness, said Mbambo. Particular emphasis was placed on protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring residents can continue their daily activities without disruption.

“The Free State has already intensified its operational readiness through ongoing crime-combatting initiatives, including weekly Operation Shanela deployments, mid-month operations and Operation Prosper. 

“These operations have yielded significant results and contributed towards addressing criminal elements, including individuals who may be in the country illegally.”

Potential hotspots

The Hawks have been integrated into operational planning and intelligence-gathering efforts, she added. They have been tasked with monitoring various platforms and collecting intelligence on individuals or groups that may seek to incite activities beyond the scope of peaceful and lawful protest action.

Police have already identified potential hotspots across the province, with deployments effected according to threat assessments and intelligence analysis. Resources have been strategically positioned to enable a rapid response to any incidents that may arise.

The planned protests have gained support from organisations such as the National Service Delivery Forum (NSDF) in Mangaung, which argues communities are increasingly frustrated by socio-economic challenges they believe are linked to illegal immigration. NSDF leader Potso Motoko previously told OFM News the organisation supports the campaign.

“On 30 June, of course, we have a community programme. It’s not a community programme that we intend to clean our country. It’s a national programme, and we do support it as an organisation of the community because people are suffering,” said Motoko.

‘South Africans to respect the law’

The campaign sparked a national debate on undocumented migration, prompting Ramaphosa to caution citizens against taking matters into their own hands. Speaking on the sidelines of the official Youth Day commemoration in Johannesburg, the president urged South Africans to respect the law.

“No South African must take any action against any person from any of our African sister countries. That is the responsibility of the government and government officials.

“So the so-called 30th of June, in my view, is not an event that is even necessary because we are addressing the challenges that our people are facing, and we must not allow South Africans to be duped and be misled by those who want to foster instability in our country. We will not allow that.”

Motoko, however, maintained communities have legitimate concerns and local leaders have a responsibility to know who resides in their areas. Residents’ concerns regarding undocumented migration have not been adequately addressed.

Mbambo emphasised while the Constitution protects the right to peaceful protest, authorities will act decisively against any criminal behaviour. Intimidation, violence, damage to infrastructure, obstruction of public movement or any other unlawful conduct will not be tolerated during the planned demonstrations. 

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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