An atmosphere of uncertainty has enveloped South Africa ahead of nationwide anti-immigration protests scheduled for June 30, with thousands of foreign nationals fearing for their safety despite repeated assurances from authorities that adequate security measures have been put in place.
The demonstrations, organised by the anti-immigration group March and March alongside other organisations, are expected to take place across several cities, heightening concerns over a possible resurgence of xenophobic violence.
The planned protests come after weeks of attacks, intimidation and forced displacement of foreign nationals in parts of the country, prompting several African governments, including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, to evacuate their citizens or facilitate voluntary repatriation programmes.
Despite the growing anxiety, the South African government has declared that June 30 will be “a normal day,” insisting that security agencies are fully prepared to maintain law and order.
Authorities have warned that violence, intimidation, vigilantism and attacks against foreign nationals will not be tolerated and that offenders will face prosecution.
The government also clarified that the June 30 deadline was not issued by the state but by anti-immigration groups, urging the public not to be misled by misinformation circulating on social media.
Nevertheless, uncertainty persists among many migrants who remain in South Africa. While some have sought refuge in temporary shelters or outside diplomatic missions, others have chosen to remain indoors or leave the country altogether, fearing that the demonstrations could degenerate into violence despite official assurances.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed for calm, condemning xenophobia and insisting that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state rather than private groups.
Police say intelligence-led operations and additional deployments have been activated in identified hotspots to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
As South Africa braces for the planned demonstrations, the safety of thousands of foreign nationals remains a major concern, with governments across the continent closely monitoring developments.
