The South African government has announced that Tuesday, June 30, will remain a normal working day despite planned nationwide anti-immigration protests and calls by some groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Authorities said schools, businesses and public services would continue to operate as usual, dismissing reports suggesting the country would experience a nationwide shutdown.
In a statement shared on its official X account, the government said, **“Tuesday, 30 June 2026 remains a normal working day. Public services, schools and businesses are expected to continue operating as normal,”** while urging citizens to rely only on verified government information.
The announcement comes as anti-immigration groups, including the March and March Movement and Operation Dudula, prepare demonstrations over concerns about illegal immigration, unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. The groups have declared June 30 as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, although the government has repeatedly insisted that no such ultimatum exists.
Officials warned that anyone attempting to intimidate residents, disrupt businesses or incite violence would face legal consequences.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi said economic and social activities would proceed without interruption, while the South African Police Service confirmed that officers had been deployed to identified hotspots to maintain law and order.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also distanced his administration from the June 30 campaign, stressing that immigration enforcement is solely the responsibility of the state.
**“We must not allow South Africans to be duped and to be misled by those who want to foster instability,”** Ramaphosa said earlier this month.
South Africa has experienced recurring tensions over immigration, fuelled by unemployment, which remains above 30 percent, and perceptions among some citizens that undocumented migrants contribute to crime and increased competition for jobs and public services.
In recent weeks, Operation Dudula and other anti-immigration organisations have staged demonstrations, particularly in Johannesburg, calling for tighter border security and stricter action against illegal immigration.
However, civil society organisations, including the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, have appealed for calm, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could trigger xenophobic attacks. Several African diplomatic missions have also advised their citizens to remain vigilant ahead of the planned protests.
Authorities and independent fact-checkers have also debunked viral social media posts claiming the government endorsed the June 30 deadline, describing the notices—some bearing official insignia and apparently created using artificial intelligence—as fake and designed to spread fear and misinformation.
Police said they were monitoring social media for posts that could incite violence and were working with private security firms to protect critical infrastructure and public spaces.
South Africa has witnessed repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with foreign-owned businesses often targeted during periods of unrest. Security agencies said they would maintain a strong presence in affected areas to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
The government reiterated that immigration laws would continue to be enforced through legal channels and urged residents to carry on with their normal activities while avoiding locations where protests are expected.
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