Authorities in South Africa’s capital, Pretoria, have announced widespread road closures and heightened security measures ahead of the planned mass protest against foreign nationals scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, warning motorists to expect major disruptions across the city.
Instability and unrest are escalating in South Africa as the June 30 deadline approaches, set by the anti-immigrant group March and March, along with other organizations, demanding that all ‘illegal’ foreign nationals leave the country.
The City of Tshwane, through the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), announced in a media alert issued on Friday that the protest, organised by a group identified as March and March, will begin at Church Square in Pretoria Central at 10:00 am before proceeding to the Sunnyside Police Station.
According to the police, the march is intended to protest against undocumented foreign nationals living in South Africa.
“Take note that there will be a march on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, by March and March,” the statement read.
It added, “Purpose: They will be marching against undocumented foreign nationals.”
The TMPD said buses transporting participants would be permitted only to drop off passengers at the intersection of WF Nkomo Street and Bosman Street near the Church Square entrance before proceeding to the Old Putco Depot in Marabastad for parking.
Private vehicles belonging to participants will be directed to an open space at the corner of Kgosi Mampuru Street and Madiba Street.
The authorities stressed that no vehicles would be allowed at the Church Square assembly point.
“No vehicles will be allowed at the gathering point (Church Square),” the police authorities said.
“The route of the march and affected streets are as follows: From Church Square, the marchers will join Paul Kruger Street and turn left onto Francis Baard Street, left to Lillian Ngoyi Street, right at Madiba Street, right onto Nelson Mandela Drive, left at Kotze Street, left onto Van Boeschoten Avenue, right to Robert Sobukwe Street, left at Leyds Street and proceed until they reach their destination.
“Motorists are advised to use alternative routes such as Nana Sita Street, Visagie Street, Justice Mahomed Street, Jeff Masemola Street, Bosman Street, Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Struben Street, Bloed Street, Kgosi Mampuru Street, and Eskia Mphahlele Drive.”
The demonstrators are expected to disperse from Sunnyside Police Station at about 3:00 pm.
The police further announced that officers from both the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department and the South African Police Service would be deployed throughout the march to monitor proceedings and maintain public order.
“The Tshwane Metro Police Department and South African Police Service officers will be deployed to monitor the march and all affected streets,” the statement added.
The planned mass protest comes against the backdrop of recurring and ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, particularly migrants from other African countries, including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Malawi, have repeatedly been targeted during outbreaks of anti-immigrant unrest.
South Africa has witnessed several waves of deadly xenophobic attacks over the past two decades.
In 2008, nationwide violence left more than 60 people dead and displaced tens of thousands after mobs attacked foreign-owned homes and businesses.
Similar attacks resurfaced in 2015 and again in 2019, resulting in deaths, injuries, widespread looting and the destruction of shops owned by migrants.
In recent years, anti-immigration groups have staged marches and campaigns demanding the deportation of undocumented migrants, arguing that illegal immigration contributes to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
Critics, however, have accused such movements of fuelling xenophobia and collective hostility toward foreign nationals, many of whom operate small businesses or fled conflict and economic hardship in their home countries.
The South African government has repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence and maintained that law enforcement should deal with illegal immigration through legal processes rather than vigilante action.
Nevertheless, tensions over immigration remain a politically sensitive issue, with periodic protests continuing to draw significant public attention and heavy police deployment.
The June 30 declaration has had far-reaching consequences. Though ostensibly targeting undocumented migrants, it has in practice ensnared anyone perceived to be of African or Asian origin, regardless of their legal status in South Africa.
