By Mapaballo Borotho
- Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says security preparations for the planned 30 June anti-illegal immigration protest are costing taxpayers more than R600 million.
- SAPS has intensified operations across all nine provinces and may call on the SANDF for additional support should the situation escalate.
- Authorities have warned that violence, intimidation, and the carrying of weapons during the demonstrations will not be tolerated.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has set aside more than R600 million to support security operations ahead of the March and March 30 June protest against illegal migration.
This was confirmed by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, who said the special operation aimed at preventing any attempts to destabilise the country is costing taxpayers more than R600 million.
“That’s what it costs when there are efforts to destabilise the country,” he said.
Cachalia and various security agencies have been meeting over the past few days to discuss preparations and security measures as the 30 June deadline approaches.
On Tuesday, 24 June 2026, Cachalia is expected to engage with representatives from the private security industry as part of ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation and coordination ahead of the planned demonstrations.
The engagement aims to strengthen existing working relationships between SAPS and private security companies in support of public safety, crime prevention, and the maintenance of law and order.
What does the 30 June deadline mean?
The March and March movement has called on all undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by 30 June, arguing that illegal migration is placing additional strain on an already struggling country.
Some foreign nationals from Malawi and Ghana have already returned to their home countries through transport arrangements facilitated by their respective governments.
Protest within the confines of the law
Cachalia has issued a stern warning to those intending to commit criminal acts during the anti-illegal immigration protests, stressing that violence will not be tolerated and that no one should attend the demonstrations while armed.
His warning follows the recent death of a Malawian national, who a vigilante group reportedly killed alongside two other foreign nationals last week in Pietermaritzburg.
Earlier this month, two Mozambican nationals were also killed in the Western Cape when xenophobic violence erupted against foreign nationals in the area.
“We have been hesitant for too long to speak clearly on this matter. There is no reason why anybody should come to protest with any kind of instrument which could be used as a weapon,” said Cachalia
KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape have been identified as potential hotspots.
SAPS may also request support from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) should the operational environment require additional resources to augment existing police efforts.
Minister Angie Motshekga said that while the SANDF has a limited role in public order policing, lessons learned from the 2021 unrest have highlighted the need for the military to remain on standby as a contingency measure.
“In case things go out of hand,” she said.
As of today, there are only six days left before the highly anticipated protest action takes place.
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