June 30 demonstrations must remain peaceful, civic leaders insist

A coalition of 27 civic organisations said the planned nationwide demonstrations on June 30 will be peaceful, despite heightened security concerns and a large-scale police mobilisation, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.

Addressing a joint media briefing in Midrand on Wednesday, leaders from the organisations, including the March and March movement, said the protests would be conducted under a strict commitment to non-violence.

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There will be no violence, no killing and no looting carried out in our name.

Reading a joint statement, Musa KaHlongwa, founder and president of the United South Africa organisation, said the statement was the voice of South Africans responding to socio-economic frustrations, including overcrowded public services and immigration pressures.

She said the group was calling for a “safe and united South Africa”and urged the citizens to “fight for their country”.

KaHlongwa also criticised the government’s handling of their concerns, accusing the acting police minister Firoz Cachalia of prioritising foreign nationals over citizens.

“It is interesting that the acting minister has dedicated his time to reassure foreign nationals they’ll be protected, but not once has he assured South Africans that their concerns will be addressed,” she said, adding that officials had failed to engage despite repeated correspondence.

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The coalition presented a list of demands including tighter border control, increased budget for the Border Management Authority (BMA) and Home Affairs, inland enforcement operations by BMA, and a policy shift to prioritise South Africans in township economies and public services.

They also called for a large-scale deportation programme targeting illegal immigrants and for immigration officers to fall under BMA instead of Home Affairs.

The group stressed that the planned demonstrations across the country will be peaceful and urged members to avoid violence or destruction of property.

No one will be violated, no one will be killed on June 30 and no looting will take place in our name. What we are going to do is to start a national march to freedom. We will demonstrate across our country peacefully. We will work tirelessly to hold our government accountable.

The assurances come as police have cancelled leave and tightened deployment plans ahead of the protests, amid fears of unrest similar to the July 2021 riots.

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March and March founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said the mobilisation was driven by frustration over illegal immigration and government inaction, insisting the movement was not calling for a shutdown.

There is no shutdown. June 30 will be no different from previous marches which have been held across the country.

She confirmed that multiple organisations had applied for protest permissions, with no clear estimate of expected turnout.

Ngobese-Zuma also rejected restrictions on carrying items such as sticks during demonstrations, saying the movement would seek clarity on the directive.

Asked what will happen if their demands are not met, Ngobese-Zuma said they will intensify their marches and continue to discuss a way forward as organisations.

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The police have warned that while peaceful protest is protected, any criminal activity will be met with a firm response as security preparations intensify nationwide.