South Africa has been on edge in the days leading up to planned anti-migrant demonstrations on June 30, with authorities warning against unrest and preparing for possible violence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a firm message as tensions escalated nationwide. "We will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country by anyone, whether marching or otherwise," Ramaphosa said Thursday.
The protests have been called by groups including "March and March" and others campaigning against undocumented migration. These organizations have set an informal deadline for migrants without legal status to leave the country, raising fears of renewed xenophobic violence in a nation that has experienced repeated outbreaks since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Firoz Cachalia, the country's police minister, emphasized that while peaceful protest is protected under South Africa's constitution, any unlawful actions will be met with force. He said crime, intimidation, violence, destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated.
South African government admits delayed response
