Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma Clashes With Police Minister Over 30 June Anti-Illegal Immigration Protests “Don’t Threaten Us”

Tensions are escalating ahead of the planned 30 June anti-illegal immigration protests, with March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma publicly criticising Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia over the government’s response.

The exchange follows warnings from authorities as security agencies prepare for demonstrations expected to take place across several provinces. Protest organisers have vowed to intensify pressure over illegal immigration and undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa.

30 June Protest Preparations Intensify As Government Boosts Security Measures

The 30 June protest plans have prompted government to activate extensive security measures through the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.

Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, Cachalia said the South African Police Service had strengthened its operational readiness to maintain law and order during the demonstrations.

The acting minister also indicated that additional resources could be deployed if necessary.

“Should the operational environment require additional capacity, SAPS may request the support of the South African National Defence Force to augment existing policing capacity.”

Cachalia stressed that while government recognises public concerns, all demonstrations must remain within the confines of the law.

“We acknowledge that many South Africans have genuine concerns about issues affecting our country. Government hears those concerns. However, those concerns must always be expressed lawfully.”

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma Says Government Is Ignoring Illegal Immigration Concerns

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma responded sharply to the minister’s comments, accusing government of failing to address what she described as South Africa’s illegal immigration crisis.

The March and March leader argued that authorities should focus their attention on enforcing immigration laws and tackling corruption rather than warning protest organisers.

“I think our government has a serious communication problem.”

“The one thing I’m not understanding is why the government of South Africa is not addressing the real issue, which is the illegal immigration crisis and foreign nationals who are buying documents and corruptly getting onto the system.”

She further claimed that public frustration stems from failures by officials to enforce existing laws and prevent fraudulent documentation practices.

30 June Protest Debate Sparks Broader Immigration Discussion

Ngobese-Zuma also rejected suggestions that concerns about immigration should automatically be linked to xenophobia or ethnic tensions.

She argued that government should prioritise addressing public concerns about undocumented migrants and alleged corruption within state institutions.

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“If you feel like threatening anyone, threaten the illegal immigrants who are in the country illegally. Threaten your own officials who are selling off documents. Threaten government officials who haven’t been doing their job.”

“Don’t tell us about xenophobia or Afrophobia or ethnic mobilisation. Tell us about the crisis of illegal immigration in the country and how you are going to fix it. That’s what we want to hear.”

The planned demonstrations are expected to attract significant public attention as authorities monitor developments and prepare for potential disruptions in several parts of the country.