c, warning that authorities will act decisively against any acts of violence or criminality.
In a video message issued on Monday, Lesufi said the provincial government was deeply concerned about rising tensions surrounding the planned protest, particularly because Gauteng is home to a large immigrant population and is likely to bear the brunt of any unrest.
“Let us be clear: we will not allow anyone to use the protests as an excuse for taking the law into their own hands. Any conduct that amounts to criminality or violence will be met with firm action,” Lesufi said.
Lesufi stressed that the provincial government fully supports the constitutional right to peaceful protest and acknowledged the concerns raised by demonstrators regarding illegal immigration.
“We share the protesters’ concerns about illegal immigration, and we are pleased that President Cyril Ramaphosa has put measures in place to address this issue,” he said.
The planned shutdown comes amid growing public frustration over illegal immigration, crime and pressure on public services, with several groups, such as March and March, calling for a nationwide protest to demand stricter immigration controls and tougher action against undocumented foreign nationals.
The issue has become increasingly contentious in Gauteng, where community organisations and anti-illegal immigration groups have staged protests and demonstrations in recent years, arguing that undocumented immigrants contribute to crime, unemployment and overcrowding in public facilities. However, rights groups have repeatedly warned against xenophobia and collective blame, urging authorities to address the issue within the framework of the law.
In an effort to de-escalate tensions, Lesufi announced that the provincial government would convene a broad stakeholder meeting next week to discuss long-term solutions to immigration-related challenges.
The premier also revealed that provincial authorities had met with law enforcement agencies to ensure adequate security measures are in place for the protest.
“We have met with law enforcement in our province, and they have briefed us on their strategy to ensure that everything on the 30th and beyond is handled within the law, with zero tolerance for violence,” he said.
Lesufi called on residents to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties.
“I call on all our citizens of our beloved province to remain calm, obey the law and allow our law enforcement to do their work. We are committed to protecting every person and every piece of property in this province,” he said.
The Gauteng government’s intervention comes as authorities brace for possible disruptions and seek to prevent a repeat of previous episodes of unrest and xenophobic violence that have periodically flared up in parts of the province.
The planned shutdown is expected to draw significant attention as concerns over illegal immigration continue to dominate public discourse in South Africa.
