Maseru, June 23 — The government of South Africa (SA) says a massive security operation ahead of the June 30 march deadline set for what South Africans call anti-illegal immigration protests will cost the country over R600 million.
The SA government says it has taken extensive measures to ensure that the country remains safe and secure. The government further said it has elevated the police’s preparedness plan in place.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has commanded that in this march no weapons are allowed and the protest should not be aimed at intimidating others while the protestors have no right to demand passports from anybody.
Meanwhile, His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has issued a strong appeal for peace, warning that ongoing violence against nationals of other African countries is deeply damaging SA’s international image.
He pleaded with the citizens to remember the shared sense of humanity and struggles behind migration.
“South Africa, we are not looking good in the whole of Africa right now. People are also looking for greener pastures in order to feed themselves. They are here because of poverty. That does not mean we must beat them.”
The King also confirmed he has engaged directly with key protest figures ahead of the planned June 30 protest to emphasize that no blood must be spilled.
The concerns also follow a warning from Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, who said on Monday that while citizens have the constitutional right to protest, any acts of violence, public disorder, or damage to property would face a strong response from law enforcement.
The planned marches have prompted increased security preparations involving the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster. However, organisers have criticised the government’s response, saying it failed to address the issues driving public anger.
During a briefing on the country’s security preparations, Cachalia said the SAPS had strengthened its operational plans in all nine provinces. He added that additional support from the military could be considered should circumstances demand it.
“If the situation requires further resources, SAPS may request assistance from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support policing operations,” Cachalia said.
The Acting Minister said he and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga were confident that government departments were working together effectively. He added that engagements were underway with provincial leaders to ensure essential services continue during the demonstrations, with discussions also held with representatives of the Zulu Royal House.
Cachalia acknowledged that many South Africans were facing genuine concerns, but stressed that grievances must be raised within the boundaries of the law.
“Government understands the frustrations people are expressing, but these concerns must be communicated peacefully and legally,” he said.
However, the remarks drew criticism from Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the March and March movement, who accused the government of failing to confront the country’s immigration challenges while warning citizens.
Ngobese-Zuma said authorities were focusing on the wrong problem and argued that the state should instead deal with alleged failures within the immigration system, including corruption and the issuing of fraudulent documents.
She questioned why government officials were not being held accountable for weaknesses that allow undocumented migrants to enter or remain in the country illegally.
According to Ngobese-Zuma, the government’s message appeared directed at ordinary citizens rather than those responsible for illegal activities.
She claimed that some undocumented foreign nationals were contributing to tensions in communities and accused authorities of ignoring complaints raised by residents.
Using an analogy, she compared the situation to a child complaining about being neglected by their parents, only to be punished for reacting to the problem instead of receiving help.
Ngobese-Zuma also referred to concerns around areas such as the Durban drive-in, where she claimed large numbers of undocumented people had gathered, raising questions about access to public resources, employment opportunities, and services.
She rejected the suggestion that the protests were driven by xenophobia or ethnic hostility, insisting that the focus should instead be on addressing illegal immigration and restoring confidence in the country’s immigration controls.
She said South Africans wanted clear answers on how the government planned to resolve what she described as a long-standing crisis.
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