R600m Security Operation for 30 June Protests: Government Prepares as South Africans React
R600m Security Operation for 30 June Protests: Government Prepares as South Africans React
The government will spend more than R600 million on a special security operation to safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain public order ahead of the planned 30 June anti-immigration demonstrations, acting police minister Firoz Cachalia said on Monday
Speaking after a high-level security meeting held at the police’s provincial headquarters in Johannesburg with defence minister Angie Motshekga and senior security officials, Cachalia said police are on high alert, warning that any attempt to undermine public safety or destabilise the country will not be tolerated .
“The responsibility of the police is to prevent any attempts to destabilise the country.”
— Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia
The R600 Million Cost
Cachalia said the R600 million would be diverted from existing budgets and that the large-scale special operation comes at a high cost to the country .
“We’re making those resources available… and this is additional funding outside of the budget. I want people to understand the cost to the country and, therefore, to themselves of reckless behaviour.”
— Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia
“Money that would otherwise have been deployed, perhaps to improve safety in communities and police stations, now has to be spent on ensuring that we have the resources to deal with this protest action.”
Public Reaction: Frustration and Anger
Many South Africans have expressed frustration at the government’s decision to redirect R600 million to security operations ahead of the 30 June protests.
- “R600 million?” – Many questioned why scarce resources are being diverted to security instead of service delivery, housing, and job creation
- “Not happy” – Social media users expressed anger that the government is spending taxpayer money on preparations for potential unrest rather than addressing root causes
- “Infrastructure vs security” – Critics argued that the funds could have been used to improve communities and policing in areas that need it most
Cachalia himself acknowledged the public sentiment, stating: “Money that would otherwise have been deployed, perhaps to improve safety in communities and police stations, now has to be spent on ensuring that we have the resources to deal with this protest action.”
Security Preparations
Police on High Alert
SAPS has ramped up operational readiness across all nine provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and public spaces [citation:6].
Potential hotspots include KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
No Weapons Allowed
Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili has urged South Africans not to carry dangerous weapons, including traditional weapons such as spears, jamboks, and air guns, during planned marches.
“If the law says do not carry a weapon it means a weapon… you are marching why do you carry a spear while marching because you are not at war.”
— Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili
Army on Standby
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga confirmed that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is on standby and will only deploy if requested by the police [citation:6].
Government’s Message to Protesters
Cachalia called on protesters to comply with the Regulation of Gatherings Act by notifying authorities of their plans, providing details such as the expected number of participants and marshals, and ensuring demonstrators understand the rules governing public gatherings.
“Our message is clear: Everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law. However, criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated.”
— Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia
Recent Violence
These preparations come after a series of violent incidents:
- A 29-year-old Malawian man was killed and two other foreign nationals were attacked by a vigilante group in Pietermaritzburg
- Two Mozambican nationals were killed in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, when xenophobic violence erupted
- Hundreds of Malawian nationals have sought refuge in open fields in Durban after being threatened with violence
Key Takeaways
- R600 million – Cost of the security operation
- 30 June 2026 – Deadline set by anti-immigration groups for undocumented migrants to leave
- Police on high alert – Across all 9 provinces, with hotspots in KZN, Gauteng, EC & WC
- No weapons allowed – Spears, jamboks, and air guns prohibited
- Recent violence – At least 3 foreign nationals killed in separate incidents
- Public frustration – Many South Africans unhappy with the R600m expenditure
Government redirects R600 million to security ahead of 30 June anti-immigration protests. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia warns against violence as South Africans question the cost.
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