JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — South Africa awoke to an eerie calm as heavily policed anti-migrant marches commenced across the country, marking the controversial June 30 deadline set by pressure groups against undocumented immigration. From the usually bustling streets of the Johannesburg CBD to the transit hubs of Soweto, urban centers have adopted a “wait and see” approach, resulting in widespread business closures and a stark atmosphere reminiscent of pandemic-era lockdowns.
Security forces have maintained a massive visibility campaign to prevent violence and looting. Deputy National Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Tebelo Mosikili issued a stern warning ahead of the protests, assuring the public that the state is fully prepared. “Let there be no doubt government is ready. We will secure every lawful and peaceful demonstration and safeguard critical infrastructure,” Mosikili stated, adding a direct caution to opportunistic criminals: “Where criminality presents itself we will respond swiftly. Do not test the state.”
In the Johannesburg CBD, major transit hubs like the Powerhouse Bus Station—situated near Smith, Wolmarans, and Simmons streets and typically a booming center for cross-border travel—stood completely deserted. The city approved three concurrent, legally sanctioned marches. The March and March Movement convened at Beyers Naude Square with an expected turnout of 5,000 people, planning a procession to Constitution Hill. Sandile Dube, representing the movement’s National Executive Committee, noted that the march specifically targets high-level officials to receive their memorandum, including the provincial police commissioner, the Premier’s Department of Community Safety, and Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya.
Additionally, the Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO) gathered an estimated 1,200 people at the intersection of Kotze and Hospital streets in Hillbrow, while the Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement mobilized around 800 participants in Midrand. All three marches were scheduled to move concurrently at 10:00 a.m.
In Pretoria, demonstrators gathered at Church Square before proceeding to the Sunnyside Police Station. Organizers emphasized that their demands are directed at provincial and municipal leadership rather than local station commanders.
The skies over Ekurhuleni, particularly Katlehong and Thokoza, were dominated by heavy aerial surveillance, with as many as five police helicopters continuously hovering over the area. Ground forces established a massive perimeter near the Sprayed View offramp and multiple highway filling stations. These specific areas had previously captured national headlines following community tensions and incidents involving local spaza shop owners.
Meanwhile, in Soweto, hundreds of demonstrators mobilized from the Bara Taxi Rank near Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital to monitor local taxi operations affiliated with SANTACO and the NTA. The local impact of the protests has been severe for everyday residents. Out of an abundance of caution, many foreign-owned spaza shops closed their doors. Community members expressed frustration over the closures, noting that purchasing basic necessities like bread now requires a 40-minute walk or a costly trip to distant shopping malls.
Despite the heavy police and private security presence, the day began with minimal commercial activity, as most citizens opted to monitor the unfolding events from the safety of their homes.