South Africa on Monday declared that Tuesday, June 30, would remain a normal working day despite planned nationwide anti-immigration protests and calls by civic groups for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.

The government said public services, schools and businesses were expected to operate as usual, dismissing speculation of a nationwide shutdown.

“Tuesday, 30 June 2026 remains a normal working day. Public services, schools and businesses are expected to continue operating as normal,” it said in a statement posted on its official X account, urging residents to rely on verified government information.

The reassurance comes as anti-immigration groups, including the March and March Movement and Operation Dudula, mobilise supporters for demonstrations over illegal immigration, unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. The groups have declared June 30 as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, although the government has repeatedly said no such ultimatum exists.

Authorities warned that any attempts to intimidate residents, disrupt businesses or incite violence would be dealt with under the law.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi said economic and social activities would continue uninterrupted, while the South African Police Service (SAPS) said officers had been deployed to identified hotspots to maintain public order.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also distanced his administration from the June 30 campaign, saying immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state.

“We must not allow South Africans to be duped and to be misled by those who want to foster instability,” Ramaphosa said earlier this month.

South Africa has experienced recurring tensions over immigration, driven by high unemployment, officially above 30 percent, and perceptions among some citizens that undocumented migrants contribute to crime and competition for jobs and public services.

Operation Dudula and other anti-immigration groups have organised several marches in recent weeks, including demonstrations in Johannesburg, demanding tougher border controls and stricter enforcement against illegal immigration.

At the same time, civil society organisations, including the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, have urged restraint, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could fuel xenophobic violence. Several African diplomatic missions have also advised their citizens to remain vigilant ahead of the planned protests.

Meanwhile, South African authorities and independent fact-checkers have dismissed as false viral social media posts claiming the government had endorsed the June 30 deadline. Officials said the fabricated notices, some carrying government insignia and apparently generated using artificial intelligence, were intended to spread panic and misinformation.

Police said they were monitoring social media for incitement and coordinating with private security companies to safeguard key infrastructure and public spaces.

South Africa has witnessed repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with foreign-owned businesses frequently targeted during periods of unrest. Authorities said security agencies would maintain a visible presence across affected areas to prevent any recurrence.

The government reiterated that immigration enforcement would continue through lawful processes and urged residents to go about their normal activities while avoiding areas where protests are expected.