Addressing the media at the OR Tambo House in Bloemfontein on Monday (29/6), premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae said the provincial government, together with law enforcement agencies, had put measures in place to protect critical infrastructure and ensure residents continue to enjoy freedom of movement.

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.

Letsoha-Mathae said security stakeholders had been instructed to maintain stability across the province. “Security stakeholders have been directed to ensure stability is maintained throughout the province to ensure all critical infrastructure remains protected,” she said.

Criminal behaviour

She stressed while government respected the constitutional right to peaceful protest, any form of criminality would be dealt with decisively. “Particular emphasis has been placed on ensuring people of the Free State continue to enjoy freedom of movement and are not prevented from conducting their daily activities.

“Let me be absolutely clear, while the constitution protects the right to peaceful protests, authority 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. Criminals will not be allowed to hijack legitimate protest action.”

The premier sought to reassure residents government services would continue uninterrupted. “The Free State remains open for business; all government services including schools, healthcare facilities, municipal offices and other essential services will continue to operate as usual.”

The planned demonstrations have received support from organisations such as the National Service Delivery Forum in Mangaung, which argues that communities are increasingly frustrated by socio-economic challenges they believe are linked to illegal immigration.

‘It’s a national programme’

NSDF leader Potso Motoko previously told OFM News the organisation supports the national campaign. “On 30 June,  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.”

The campaign has sparked a national debate around undocumented migration, prompting president Cyril Ramaphosa to caution South Africans against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands.

Letsoha-Mathae also provided assurances key public services would remain fully operational throughout the planned protest period. “Let me provide specific assurances to address concerns I know are circulating in our communities.

“To our learners and parents, we have communicated with all principals to ensure normal administrative operations continue even though learners are currently on recess. The academic program remains uninterrupted, schools remain protected as institutions of learning and teaching.

“To healthcare workers and users, all healthcare facilities remain operational with all staff on duty. Citizens requiring medical attention will receive services without interruption.”

She encouraged business owners not to close their doors, saying law enforcement officers had been deployed across the province to safeguard businesses, public infrastructure and residents.

The premier acknowledged the planned demonstrations reflect broader frustrations over service delivery, unemployment and the rising cost of living, but emphasised these concerns must be addressed through lawful means.

The province does not have designated safe houses for either documented or undocumented foreign nationals, urging anyone who feels threatened to report the matter to their nearest police station, confirmed Letsoha-Mathae. 

Zimbabwean nationals had travelled by bus from Bloemfontein to their embassy in Pretoria, with police monitoring the process to ensure their safety.

Meanwhile, joint operations conducted by the provincial government and law enforcement agencies in the Bloemfontein central business district revealed several Lesotho nationals were undocumented or did not possess valid work permits.

Authorities reiterated while peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, any acts of intimidation, violence, looting or property damage will be met with swift law enforcement action.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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