Cape Town – Tensions are mounting ahead of the planned anti-illegal immigration demonstrations on 30 June, with organisers accusing the government of intimidating citizens rather than addressing what they describe as South Africa’s growing illegal immigration crisis.
The dispute intensified after Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia warned that while South Africans have a constitutional right to protest, authorities would act firmly against any lawlessness, violence or destruction of property.
According to IOL, Cachalia said the South African Police Service (SAPS) had strengthened its operational readiness across the country and was prepared to respond to any threats to public order.
“Should the operational environment require additional capacity, SAPS may request the support of the South African National Defence Force to augment existing policing capacity,” he said.
Cachalia added that government had undertaken extensive preparations ahead of the demonstrations, including engagements with provincial leaders and traditional leadership structures.
WATCH | Acting Police Minister Prof Firoz Cachalia cautions the public to act lawfully as the June 30th deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country looms, adding that the law will be brought to bear on anyone inciting violence. pic.twitter.com/r9KFt7KMnd
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 22, 2026
“We acknowledge that many South Africans have genuine concerns about issues affecting our country. Government hears those concerns. However, those concerns must always be expressed lawfully,” he said.
However, according to The Mercury, the government’s warning drew sharp criticism from Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the ‘March and March’ movement. In a strongly worded response, Ngobese-Zuma accused the state of focusing its attention on law-abiding citizens while failing to confront illegal immigration and corruption within government systems.
“I think our government has a serious communication problem,” Ngobese-Zuma said.
“The one thing I’m not understanding is why the government of South Africa is not addressing the real issue, which is the illegal immigration crisis and foreign nationals who are buying documents and corruptly getting onto the system.”
She argued that government’s warnings were directed at the wrong people, claiming that South Africans were reacting to a problem created by years of state inaction.
🚨 Breaking News: Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia Threatens South Africans Instead of Announcing Deportations!
South Africa’s Acting Police Minister Prof Firoz Cachalia has warned citizens against any intimidation or violence during the upcoming June 30 anti-illegal… pic.twitter.com/guI12WxlSc— Mzansi Digital Radio (@mzansi_digital) June 22, 2026
“If you feel like threatening anyone, threaten the illegal immigrants who are in the country illegally. Threaten your own officials who are selling off documents. Threaten government officials who haven’t been doing their job,” she said.
Ngobese-Zuma further alleged that undocumented foreign nationals had been openly threatening local residents, while government continued to focus its warnings on South Africans.
“The same individuals in the country illegally are the ones misbehaving and threatening South Africans, claiming they are armed and ready, yet the only threats are directed towards South Africans,” she said.
Using a family analogy to illustrate what she described as public frustration, Ngobese-Zuma compared the government’s response to parents ignoring a child’s concerns.
“It’s like someone crying to their parents saying, ‘Mommy, Daddy, you’ve been neglecting me and I’m so angry.’ And you say, ‘If you dare touch the children from next door who invaded your space and took over your space, I’m going to beat you up.’ Does that make sense?” she asked.
Ngobese-Zuma also pointed to what she described as an influx of undocumented individuals at the Durban drive-in site, arguing that the situation reflected a lack of effective immigration control. She questioned what impact this was having on public resources, schools and employment opportunities.
“Don’t tell us about xenophobia or afrophobia or ethnic mobilisation,” she said.
“Tell us about the crisis of illegal immigration in the country and how you are going to fix it. That’s what we want to hear.”
The exchange highlights growing tensions ahead of the planned demonstrations, with organisers demanding stronger action on illegal immigration, while government continues to emphasise the need for peaceful and lawful protest.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
