Fikile Mbalula breaks silence on 30 June protests by declaring that South Africa remained resilient despite calls for a nationwide shutdown, thanking law enforcement agencies for maintaining order, and insisting that immigration enforcement must remain the responsibility of the democratic state rather than vigilante groups. Speaking during a comprehensive ANC media briefing at Luthuli House in Johannesburg, the ANC Secretary-General addressed illegal immigration, border security, the Government of National Unity, preparations for the 2026 local government elections, and several other national issues.

Mbalula described the 30 June demonstrations as unsuccessful, arguing that the country’s economy continued operating normally despite calls for businesses, schools and transport services to shut down. He also praised the majority of South Africans who chose not to participate in the protests.

The briefing comes amid an increasingly heated national debate over illegal immigration South Africa, border security and the role of civil society in shaping immigration policy.

Fikile Mbalula says South Africa rejected shutdown calls

Addressing journalists, Fikile Mbalula said the nationwide shutdown failed to disrupt normal life across the country.

According to Mbalula, schools remained open, workers reported for duty, public transport continued operating and businesses maintained normal trading activities.

He argued that South Africans overwhelmingly rejected attempts to destabilise the country’s economy.

“The country stood firm. They called for a shutdown. South Africa did not shut down.”

He added that children attended school, workers continued earning a living, flights operated as scheduled, healthcare facilities remained open and retailers continued serving customers throughout the day.

For the ANC, these developments demonstrated public confidence in democratic institutions and a rejection of calls for widespread disruption.

Law enforcement praised for maintaining order

A significant portion of the ANC media briefing focused on recognising the efforts of South Africa’s security agencies.

Mbalula thanked:

• South African Police Service (SAPS)
• Border Management Authority (BMA)
• National security agencies
• Law enforcement officers deployed nationwide

He said officers acted professionally while ensuring public safety throughout the demonstrations.

According to Mbalula, where isolated incidents of intimidation, violence or looting occurred, the law was allowed to take its course.

He credited security agencies with preventing larger-scale disruption while protecting constitutional rights.

ANC warns against vigilantism

Immigration enforcement belongs to the state

One of Mbalula’s strongest messages concerned the growing calls by some protest groups for communities to take immigration enforcement into their own hands.

He rejected any form of vigilantism.

According to Mbalula, only the democratic state has the constitutional authority to enforce immigration legislation.

He warned that self-appointed groups attempting to police communities risk undermining the rule of law and creating instability.

Instead, he said immigration matters must remain the responsibility of government institutions operating within South Africa’s legal framework.

Illegal immigration South Africa remains national priority

The issue of illegal immigration South Africa continues to dominate political debate.

During the briefing, Mbalula defended government’s record, arguing that the ANC has never supported an open-border policy during its more than three decades in government.

He acknowledged public concern regarding undocumented migration but insisted government has consistently worked to strengthen border controls while respecting constitutional rights.

According to the ANC, effective immigration management requires lawful enforcement rather than public intimidation or unlawful action.

ANC blames legal challenges for slowing deportations

Mbalula argued that government efforts to deport undocumented foreign nationals have repeatedly faced legal challenges.

He specifically referred to organisations including:

• Scalabrini Centre
• Lawyers for Human Rights

According to Mbalula, these organisations have frequently approached South African courts seeking legal protection for migrants and asylum seekers.

He argued this has sometimes limited government’s ability to implement deportation programmes.

Mbalula stated that critics cannot accuse government of inaction while simultaneously challenging deportation decisions through the courts.

The comments reflect the ANC’s longstanding position that immigration policy must balance border security with constitutional protections and human rights obligations.

30 June protests spark national conversation

The 30 June protests generated widespread public debate over illegal immigration, unemployment, crime and service delivery.

While organisers called for nationwide action, Mbalula argued that participation fell well below expectations.

He described the demonstrations as failing to achieve their intended objective of bringing economic activity to a standstill.

According to the ANC Secretary-General, the country’s resilience demonstrated that most South Africans preferred stability over disruption.

The protests nevertheless highlighted growing public frustration surrounding immigration management and government capacity.

March and March movement criticised

ANC opposes repeated economic disruption

Mbalula criticised organisers behind the March and March movement, warning that repeated demonstrations designed to disrupt economic activity could negatively affect businesses, workers and investment.

He argued that while peaceful protest remains a constitutional right, actions that intimidate communities or deliberately undermine economic stability should not be tolerated.

The ANC believes political activism must remain within the boundaries of the Constitution and existing laws.

Mbalula indicated that any criminal conduct linked to protests should be dealt with through established legal processes rather than political confrontation.

Continental migration compact proposed

During the briefing, Mbalula also discussed the ANC’s proposed Continental Compact on Migration.

The proposal seeks stronger cooperation between African countries on:

• Border management
• Labour migration
• Refugee protection
• Human trafficking
• Security cooperation
• Regional economic development

According to the ANC, migration is a continental issue requiring coordinated solutions rather than isolated national responses.

The party believes improved collaboration between African governments can strengthen both economic development and border security.

Government prepares for 2026 local elections

Beyond immigration, Mbalula outlined the ANC’s preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

He said the party remains focused on rebuilding public confidence while improving service delivery.

Campaign priorities include:

• Economic growth
• Job creation
• Infrastructure development
• Crime prevention
• Clean governance
• Municipal reform

The ANC believes strengthening local government remains central to improving citizens’ quality of life.

Section 89 process and other political developments

The ANC Secretary-General also addressed broader political developments.

These included:

• The Section 89 parliamentary process
• Government of National Unity matters
• Organisational issues within the ANC
• National political developments

Mbalula reaffirmed the party’s commitment to constitutional governance and democratic institutions.

He also briefly commented on national sporting matters, including Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup campaign.

Balancing immigration control with constitutional rights

One of the central themes of the briefing was balancing effective immigration enforcement with constitutional protections.

The ANC maintains that South Africa must:

• Secure its borders.
• Enforce immigration laws.
• Protect human rights.
• Respect court rulings.
• Prevent unlawful discrimination.
• Reject vigilantism.

Government argues these objectives are not mutually exclusive and can be pursued simultaneously within the Constitution.

Mbalula said lawful immigration enforcement strengthens democracy, whereas unlawful actions by private groups undermine it.

Political significance of the briefing

The briefing reflects increasing political pressure on all parties to articulate clear positions on immigration policy ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Illegal immigration remains one of the country’s most debated issues, with political parties offering differing approaches to border management and law enforcement.

For the ANC, the message was clear: immigration reform is necessary, but it must be implemented by legitimate state institutions operating under the rule of law.

The party also sought to reassure South Africans that government continues strengthening border management while rejecting calls for vigilante action.

YOU MAY LIKE:

SA launches state-backed satellite internet & phone company

Yusuf Cassim sworn in as Higher Education Deputy Minister

Conclusion

Fikile Mbalula breaks silence on 30 June protests by defending government’s handling of the demonstrations, praising law enforcement agencies and insisting that immigration enforcement must remain the responsibility of the democratic state. During the wide-ranging ANC media briefing, Mbalula argued that South Africa resisted calls for a nationwide shutdown, with schools, businesses, transport systems and public services continuing to operate normally.

The ANC Secretary-General also defended government’s record on illegal immigration South Africa, arguing that legal challenges have complicated deportation efforts while reiterating that the country has never supported an open-border policy. As debate over immigration, border security and the March and March movement continues, the ANC says it remains committed to lawful enforcement, constitutional governance and regional cooperation through its proposed Continental Compact on Migration. With the 2026 local government elections approaching, immigration policy is likely to remain one of the defining political issues shaping South Africa’s national conversation.

References

1. SABC News – ANC briefs media on immigration, governance and current political developments
   https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/
2. Eyewitness News (EWN) – ANC responds to illegal immigration debate and 30 June protests
   https://ewn.co.za/
3. News24 – Fikile Mbalula addresses media on current political developments
   https://www.news24.com/
4. The Citizen – Mbalula defends government’s immigration policy after nationwide protests
   https://www.citizen.co.za/
5. eNCA – ANC media briefing on illegal immigration and national political developments
   https://www.enca.com/