South African authorities have announced heightened security operations across the country as tensions rise ahead of a June 30 deadline issued by anti-illegal immigration groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
Police and military officials said additional personnel would be deployed to maintain public order and safeguard critical infrastructure amid concerns that the ultimatum could trigger unrest.
Speaking on Monday, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said law enforcement agencies had activated comprehensive security plans nationwide to protect communities, public spaces, and strategic facilities.
While reaffirming citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest, Cachalia warned that authorities would take decisive action against any form of violence, intimidation, vandalism, or criminal activity.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga also confirmed that the military had been placed on standby and would focus primarily on securing key installations, including airports and other sensitive locations. She noted that the armed forces would support the police if the situation required additional intervention.
South Africa has experienced growing anti-immigrant sentiment in recent weeks, resulting in sporadic outbreaks of violence that have reportedly claimed at least two lives. The unrest has been fuelled by accusations that undocumented migrants contribute to crime and unemployment in a country grappling with a jobless rate exceeding 30 per cent.
Although the groups behind the ultimatum have no legal authority to enforce their demands, their campaign has heightened concerns over possible xenophobic attacks.
The country has a history of anti-foreigner violence. Major outbreaks in 2008 left more than 60 people dead, while similar incidents occurred in subsequent years. In 2019, attacks on foreign-owned businesses around Johannesburg resulted in at least 12 fatalities.
The latest developments come as South Africa prepares for local government elections scheduled for November 4.
Political tensions have already surfaced during the voter registration process, with four individuals linked to different political parties reportedly killed in separate shootings over the weekend.
Two of the victims were members of the opposition MK Party led by former president Jacob Zuma. The others included a Democratic Alliance ward candidate in the Western Cape and an African National Congress councillor in the Eastern Cape.
Authorities say security agencies remain on high alert as the country navigates both rising anti-migrant tensions and an increasingly charged political atmosphere ahead of the elections.