Government has thanked South Africans for staging peaceful and lawful demonstrations during migration-related marches held on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, while warning that those behind isolated acts of looting will be prosecuted.
In a statement issued this week, the state commended citizens, community leaders, protest organisers, civil society, religious leaders and law enforcement for upholding “peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law” across the country.
According to government, the demonstrations were largely orderly. Police did, however, intervene in a few isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting. Authorities say individuals who used the marches to commit criminal acts “will face the full might of the law” as investigations, arrests and prosecutions continue.
Migration policy push continues
The statement reiterated government’s commitment to the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The plan prioritises enforcing immigration and labour laws, securing borders, improving migration systems, closing legislative gaps, and collaborating with other African countries to address migration challenges.
Government also said it would step up action against criminality linked to irregular migration, including corruption, human trafficking and labour exploitation.
Call for calm
Officials urged citizens to remain calm, reject misinformation, and cooperate with law enforcement to maintain “safe, stable and cohesive communities.”
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