By Jacobs Thabo
The South African government has dismissed suggestions of a nationwide shutdown on 30 June 2026, declaring that the date will proceed as a normal working day despite rising tensions linked to migration enforcement debates.
The announcement was made by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, where officials said there was no basis for claims of planned nationwide disruption.
South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamaloko Kubayi, said the state would not tolerate attempts to intimidate the public or disrupt economic and social activities.
“We therefore declare that the 30th of June 2026 as a normal day for the country,” Kubayi said. “Enforcement of the law is the responsibility of the State. We are ready as a State to protect every person, citizens and foreign nationals, against any form of abuse and intimidation.”
The IMC stressed that no individuals or groups are authorised to enforce immigration checks, demand proof of nationality, or block access to public services such as schools, hospitals and clinics.
It warned that vigilantism, xenophobia, hate speech, incitement to violence and the spread of misinformation would be treated as criminal offences.
Authorities said law enforcement agencies had intensified intelligence-led operations nationwide in response to growing public concern around irregular migration.
According to the committee, 89 public order and incitement-related cases had been opened as of 21 June, up from 53 the previous week.
A total of 164 arrests have been made for offences including incitement to violence and breaches of the Regulation of Gatherings Act, while 36 cases are already before the courts.
The South African Police Service also recorded more than 5,000 immigration-related arrests during Operation Shanela in the week ending 15 June.
The government condemned recent anti-immigration protests in parts of the Free State that were accompanied by looting, describing them as criminal acts rather than legitimate public demonstrations.
Officials also said they were engaging social media platforms over misleading content circulating online that falsely suggested national disruption on 30 June.
While reaffirming constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, the IMC said those rights do not extend to violence, intimidation or hate speech.
Authorities reiterated that all public services, businesses and government operations will continue as normal on 30 June 2026.
