South Africa National Anti-Immigrant Protests: Police Deploy 1.17 Billion Baht for Security, Businesses Close

(CNA) - Johannesburg, June 30 - Anti-illegal immigrant protests and clashes have intensified in South Africa over the past few months. On June 30, civic groups held demonstrations in multiple locations across the country, vowing to bring the nation to a standstill. The police department has allocated a budget of 1.17 billion Thai Baht and canceled all officers' scheduled leave to ensure full security. Many businesses closed for the day, and residents stayed home to avoid being caught in potential violence.

Amidst rising anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, many blame illegal immigrants for high unemployment, high crime rates, and poor public service quality. The civic group "March and March" issued an ultimatum demanding all illegal immigrants leave South Africa by June 30. On that day, they launched a "national shutdown," holding demonstrations in various parts of the country.

According to local media "News24," acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stated that to prevent a repeat of the 2021 unrest, which caused severe casualties and economic losses, the police department has allocated 600 million Rand (South African currency, approximately 1.16 billion Thai Baht) and canceled all officers' scheduled leave to enhance operational readiness and complete full deployment across all provinces. Law enforcement agencies are also monitoring potential conflict hotspots and are ready to intervene at any time.

In a public letter to the nation on June 29, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that all participants in the June 30 protests should conduct themselves peacefully and legally, respecting the rights, dignity, and safety of others. He also warned that the government will not tolerate violence, threats, or intimidation, and perpetrators of illegal acts will face legal consequences.

Despite the full security measures by the government, on June 30, most people visibly chose to stay home and avoid going out. During the morning rush hour at 9 a.m., only a few cars passed through the main roads that should have been bustling with traffic. Many companies asked their employees to work from home for the day, and numerous businesses decided to close for the day.

Sifiso, a mall security guard from Zimbabwe, told CNA that although there were no protests at his workplace, many stores decided to close for the day to prevent potential violence. Out of 20 stores in the entire mall, only 5 were open today. When asked if he had legal residency documents, Sifiso replied, "I have a work visa, but if the protesters come to this area, I will run away immediately!"

Sixty60, the popular delivery service of the large South African supermarket chain Checkers, normally has at least 10 employees waiting in the delivery personnel waiting area to take orders at any time, but the waiting area was empty today. A supermarket security guard said, "All the delivery personnel are foreigners, and they are very afraid of being affected today, so they dare not come to work. Only South Africans came to work today."

This protest has raised concerns about a repeat of the 2021 violence. At that time, former President Jacob Zuma was imprisoned for corruption, triggering protests and riots by his supporters, resulting in over 300 deaths, the destruction of many businesses, and an estimated economic loss of 50 billion Rand (South African currency, approximately 97 billion Thai Baht). It was considered the most severe civil unrest in the country since the end of apartheid in 1994. (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150630

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