South Africa announced on Monday that Tuesday, June 30, will remain a normal working day despite the nationwide plan anti immigration Protests and calls by civic groups for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
The government rejected speculation of a nationwide shutdown, saying public services, schools and businesses were expected to operate normally.
“Tuesday, June 30, 2026, is a normal working day. Public services, schools and businesses are expected to continue operating normally,” it said in a statement posted on its official X account, urging residents to rely on verified government information.
The assurances come as anti-immigration groups including the March and March movement and Operation Dudula are mobilizing supporters for demonstrations. illegal immigrationUnemployment, crime and pressure on public services. The groups have declared June 30 a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, although the government has repeatedly said no such ultimatum exists.
Authorities warned that any attempts to intimidate residents, disrupt businesses or incite violence would be dealt with under the law.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mamamloko Kubayi said economic and social activities would continue unhindered. South African Police Service (SAPS) Said that officers have been deployed at identified hotspots to maintain public order.
President Cyril Ramaphosa He has also distanced his administration from the June 30 campaign and said immigration enforcement is the state's responsibility.
“We must not allow South Africans to be deceived and misled by those who seek to promote instability,” Ramaphosa said earlier this month.
South Africa has experienced repeated tensions over immigration, characterized by high unemployment, officially above 30 percent, and a perception among some citizens that undocumented migrants contribute to crime and competition for jobs and public services.
Operation Dudula and other anti-immigration groups have held several marches in recent weeks, including a demonstration in Johannesburg, demanding tighter border controls and tougher enforcement against illegal immigration.
At the same time, civil society organizations, including the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, have urged restraint, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could inflame xenophobic violence. Several African diplomatic missions have also advised their citizens to remain vigilant ahead of the planned protests.
Meanwhile, South African officials and independent fact-checkers have dismissed as false viral social media posts claiming that the government supported the June 30 deadline. Officials said the fabricated notices, some of which bore government insignia and were apparently generated using artificial intelligence, were aimed at spreading panic and misinformation.
Police said they are monitoring social media for incitement and coordinating with private security companies to protect key infrastructure and public places.
South Africa has seen repeated outbreaks of foreign-owned violence over the past two decades, with foreign-owned businesses often targeted during unrest. Officials said security agencies will maintain a clear presence in the affected areas to prevent any recurrence.
The government reiterated that immigration enforcement will continue through lawful processes and urged residents to continue their normal activities while avoiding areas where protests are expected.