‘The Law Will Be Upheld’: Ramaphosa Warns Vigilantes Ahead of June 30 Anti-Immigration Marches

JOHANNESBURG — President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning that law enforcement will act decisively against any violence or vigilantism during planned anti-immigration protests on Tuesday, June 30.

The nationwide demonstrations, organized by a coalition of community groups, have set June 30 as an unofficial “deadline” for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. The movement has triggered widespread anxiety across migrant communities in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

In his weekly presidential address on Monday, Ramaphosa acknowledged that citizens have legitimate concerns regarding illegal immigration, overstretched public services, and border security. However, he emphasized that only state agencies have the authority to enforce immigration laws.

“Taking the law into one’s own hands is vigilantism—thinly disguised in the language of patriotism,” Ramaphosa warned. “The authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs strictly to government law-enforcement officers.”

To prevent clashes, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has put public order policing units on high alert at key flashpoints.

The presidency also used the address to highlight that the government is actively accelerating immigration overhauls. According to Ramaphosa, current reforms include:

• Tightened Border Controls: Increased deployments and technology along land borders.
• Tougher Workplace Enforcement: Stepped-up labor inspections to penalize businesses exploiting undocumented workers.
• Anti-Corruption Measures: Rooting out syndicates selling fraudulent visas within the Department of Home Affairs.

While march organizers insist their demonstrations will remain peaceful, major industries—including the freight and retail sectors—are monitoring the situation closely for potential disruptions along major transit corridors.