South Africa declares June 30 a normal day amid migration tensions

South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamaloko Kubayi announced that 30 June 2026 will be a normal working day, warning that any intimidation, violence or disruption linked to anti‑immigration sentiment will be prosecuted. The statement, made at an Inter‑Ministerial Committee on Migration briefing in Pretoria, reiterated that the state will protect all persons, citizens and foreign nationals, and that unlawful blocking of schools, hospitals or other public services is prohibited.

Kubayi cited a rise in public‑order incidents – 89 cases registered by 21 June, up from 53 the previous week – and noted that 164 people have been arrested for offenses including incitement to violence. Operation Shanela, a police immigration crackdown, resulted in more than 5 000 arrests in the week ending 15 June. The government has also engaged social‑media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation and hate speech surrounding the date.