President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning to anyone planning to disrupt South Africa on 30 June, saying law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to respond to any attempts to destabilise the country.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday, 25 June, Ramaphosa assured South Africans that government had put security measures in place to maintain peace and public order ahead of the widely discussed date.
The president’s remarks come as concerns continue to grow over tensions surrounding the unofficial 30 June deadline that some groups have called for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. The activist movement known as March and March has also announced plans for a national shutdown on the same day, raising fears of possible unrest.
Addressing Members of Parliament, Ramaphosa stressed that authorities would not tolerate any actions that threatened the country’s stability.
“Our security forces are ready, and anyone who violates the law or attempts to create instability will face the full might of the law,” the president said.
He also encouraged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any information regarding planned acts of violence or public disorder. According to Ramaphosa, preventing conflict is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government.
The president called on Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, community organisations and other influential figures to play an active role in easing tensions and promoting peaceful dialogue within their communities.
Government has repeatedly stated that while immigration challenges need to be addressed, they must be handled within the framework of the Constitution and existing laws without resorting to violence or intimidation.
Ramaphosa’s comments have, however, sparked mixed reactions on social media, where many South Africans questioned whether government has done enough to address concerns around illegal immigration and border security.
Some users argued that security measures should focus on protecting ordinary citizens, while others criticised government spending linked to the current situation. Several commenters claimed authorities were reacting too late and expressed doubt that tensions would disappear after 30 June.
Others suggested that frustrations surrounding immigration have been building for years and warned that government should focus on long-term solutions instead of temporary security operations.
Despite the criticism, some South Africans supported the president’s appeal for calm, saying violence would only worsen an already sensitive situation and place innocent lives at risk.
The debate comes amid heightened political and public discussion over immigration, border management and crime, issues that have dominated national conversations in recent months.
Ramaphosa has previously rejected claims that South Africans are inherently xenophobic, insisting that citizens are capable of living peacefully alongside people from other African countries while expecting immigration laws to be properly enforced.
As 30 June approaches, security agencies remain on high alert, with authorities expected to monitor demonstrations and respond to any incidents that threaten public safety. Government has urged all residents, regardless of nationality, to remain calm, obey the law and avoid being drawn into acts of violence or provocation.
With the country watching developments closely, officials hope that cooperation between communities and law enforcement will ensure that the day passes peacefully without disruption.
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