- The government says nationwide migration demonstrations were mostly peaceful and thanks South Africans for protesting responsibly.
- Police will identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone involved in criminal acts during the demonstrations.
- Government reaffirms its migration management plan and urges South Africans to reject xenophobia and misinformation.
The government has praised South Africans who joined nationwide migration demonstrations, saying the peaceful conduct shown by most protesters is a sign of the strength of the country’s democracy. Similarly, it warned that anyone who used the marches as an excuse to commit a crime would be prosecuted.
Speaking for the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi thanked citizens, community leaders, organisers, civil society organisations, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies for helping keep demonstrations peaceful across the country.
“The peaceful conduct we saw today shows the strength of our democracy. It proves South Africans can share their concerns firmly and lawfully while respecting the rights and dignity of others,” Kubayi said.
Criminal acts will not be tolerated
She said police responded to a few incidents of looting and attempted looting, but stressed that the demonstrations stayed mostly peaceful. “Those who used the marches to commit crimes will face the full force of the law,” she said.
Kubayi said police will continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute everyone responsible for crimes during the demonstrations. She welcomed the fact that most participants rejected violence, intimidation, provocation, looting, and damage to property. “Such actions have no place in a constitutional democracy. They undermine the safety and prosperity that our communities want to build.”
Government acknowledges public concerns
Kubayi said the government recognises that many South Africans have real concerns about economic opportunities, irregular migration, service delivery, border management, and public safety. She said those concerns deserve to be heard and addressed through lawful and democratic processes.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s five-point migration management plan. She said the strategy focuses on stronger enforcement of immigration and labour laws, securing South Africa’s borders, improving migration management systems, closing policy gaps, and working with other African countries to address migration challenges together.
The government is making progress in deporting and repatriating foreign nationals, the minister stated. According to the latest figures, authorities have repatriated 4,286 foreign nationals and deported another 419 people in recent days, she said.
“Our objectives remain clear. We want a South Africa where migration laws are respected and enforced, borders are secure, communities are safe, businesses compete fairly, and human dignity and constitutional values are upheld.”
Police defend restrained approach
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia said the Constitution protects the right to assemble peacefully and unarmed. He added that protest laws make it clear that carrying illegal weapons during demonstrations is not allowed.
“The police must enforce the law,” Cachalia said. He said officers showed restraint throughout the day, even in tense areas, and praised police for preventing violence. “Demonstrations took place across the country. Nearly all were peaceful. There were no clashes between police and protesters.”
Cachalia noted that some communities see certain traditional implements as part of their identity. He said this needs more public discussion, even though the law is clear. “We need to have a conversation as a society, a productive one, to find common ground on this issue,” he said.
He also suggested that while concerns about irregular migration are real, claims that marches will continue every Thursday until the local government elections point to a broader political agenda. “There’s a real grievance, but there also seems to be a political agenda,” Cachalia said.
He said police will keep monitoring developments and warned that anyone involved in incitement or other crimes linked to the demonstrations should expect to face justice.
“After June 30, you can expect to see police taking action to make sure anyone guilty of incitement or other crimes is arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Cachalia said the large police deployment used significant resources, but it was necessary to prevent violence and reassure the public. “There was a lot of anxiety in society that we’d see a repeat of July 2021. That didn’t happen,” he said.
“Our work is ahead of us, and we are committed to keeping peace in this country and making sure government and people can keep talking.”
Government urges calm
Kubayi said the government will step up efforts against criminality, corruption, human trafficking, labour exploitation, and other illegal acts linked to irregular migration, while making sure enforcement follows the Constitution.
“We urge all South Africans to remain calm, reject misinformation and xenophobia, and keep working with government and law enforcement to build safe, stable, united communities,” she said.
The minister said the government will keep managing migration in a way that protects South Africa’s national interests, supports the rule of law, and upholds constitutional values.
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