Leaders of organisations campaigning against undocumented foreign nationals in KwaZulu-Natal(KZN) have pledged that the planned 30 June shutdown will remain peaceful, vowing there will be no violence, criminality or looting during the demonstrations.
The assurances come amid heightened tensions following recent protests in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal, including Estcourt, where incidents of violence and looting were reported.
Protests against undocumented foreign nationals have intensified in several parts of South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu and Insizwa Nobunsizwa Foundation leader, Nkosikhona “Phakhel’umthakathi” Ndabandaba, among others, have called for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country, setting 30 June 2026 as a symbolic deadline.
The demonstrations form part of a broader campaign calling for stricter immigration enforcement in South Africa. While organisers say they are targeting illegal immigrants rather than foreign nationals in general, the campaign has raised concerns among human rights organisations about the safety of both legal and illegal migrants and refugees.
Ahead of the planned shutdown, several African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, have facilitated the voluntary repatriation of citizens who wished to return home.
In recent days, thousands of Malawian nationals gathered at the Sherwood Community Hall in Durban, citing fears for their safety. The eThekwini Municipality subsequently established a temporary repatriation centre at the Old Drive-In site after concerns were raised by Sherwood residents about the growing number of people camping at the community hall.
The Malawian government also arranged buses to assist citizens wishing to return home and has engaged the South African government regarding the repatriation process.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal police say security operations have been intensified ahead of 30 June.
On Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba and Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing Major General Vukani Mgobhozi met with Ndabandaba, Inkosi Malusi Zondi of the Economic and Cultural Envoy, and Black Business Federation General Secretary Wonder Jaca at SAPS provincial headquarters in Durban.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said discussions focused on the purpose of the planned marches, cooperation with law enforcement, the constitutional right to peaceful protest, public safety and the need to ensure that demonstrations remain within the confines of the law.
According to Netshiunda, all parties agreed that there should be no violence, criminal activity or looting on 30 June or thereafter.
Ndabandaba assured police that his supporters would remain disciplined throughout the demonstrations.
“The country is ours and we shall fight for its wellbeing. Our people must come first, however we understand that violence will not solve our problems. Ours is to hold the government accountable in ensuring that whoever lives within the borders of South Africa, and in our communities, is in the country legally and respects the rule of law.
“We do not advocate for any violence against our brothers and sisters from other countries. All we want is for them to come into our country legally and that they must not feed our children drugs and commit all sorts of crimes,” he added.
KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi welcomed the willingness of protest organisers to work with law enforcement and stressed that while undocumented immigration remains a law enforcement issue, communities must not take the law into their own hands.
“We all want illegal foreign nationals to leave because being in the country illegally is a crime. It is for that reason that we arrest scores of undocumented foreign nationals daily. However, no amount of crime calls for any person to be attacked or killed,” he said.
He added that police would not prevent lawful protests.
“Police will not stop any marches and we shall ensure that those who want to march do so without fear of police. Those who are not committing any crime must be happy to see the presence of police during their marches. We have the responsibility to maintain public order.”
Mkhwanazi urged organisers to continue promoting responsible citizenship and discipline during demonstrations.
“Crime will be dealt with as crime and the law will take its course. We are here to protect and serve as the SAPS, so the community must feel free to engage us and deliberate on issues for the betterment of our province and country at large,” he said.
Police have urged members of the public to remain calm and to report any criminal activity, warning that anyone who commits acts of violence, intimidation, vandalism or looting during the protests will face the full might of the law.
