A security analyst said the shutdown planned for 30 June 2026 should concern the state security apparatus.
Security experts have urged the government to “close” the space being exploited by anti-illegal immigrant organisations and tackle the problem to avert disasters like the 2008 xenophobic violence. The experts spoke out as anti-illegal immigrant marches spread across the country, with a larger march said to be planned for June 30.
Security expert Dr Johan Burger said the government needed to close the space that is being taken advantage of by those organising marches. He said this situation is reminiscent of the xenophobic violence that erupted around 2008, where there was a perception that foreigners were responsible for many illegal activities. He noted that during that period, many were left destitute and living in tents, afraid to return to their homes. Even those who are in the country legally were fearful.
He said often, in such cases, those participating in the marches do not distinguish between legal and illegal immigrants. Burger said South Africa has had very lax border controls for a long time, which has created the problem.
“The perception that these organisations are creating is that if the country were to be rid of immigrants, it would become a paradise and there would be no more problems, which is not the case. It is not foreign nationals that are committing most crimes in the country; if one looks at the statistics in the prisons of people who are arrested, it’s mostly South Africans,” he added.
