Nomvula Mokonyane, the African National Congress (ANC) First Deputy Secretary-General, said South Africans were commended for peacefully protesting against undocumented immigrants on June 30, 2024 [1].
The statement comes as the governing party attempts to balance the constitutional right to assembly with the need to prevent xenophobic violence. By endorsing lawful protest, the ANC seeks to maintain social order while acknowledging the civic frustrations regarding illegal immigration.
Nationwide protests took place across South Africa, including in KwaZulu-Natal [2]. These demonstrations were sparked by civic groups calling for action against undocumented migrants [2]. The ANC said citizens should exercise their rights responsibly and remain within the bounds of the law [1].
In KwaZulu-Natal, the ANC specifically said residents should heed the call for peace issued by King Misuzulu ahead of the June 30 protests [2]. The party emphasized that while the right to protest is a cornerstone of the democracy, it must not devolve into lawlessness.
Mokonyane said that the citizens who remained law-abiding during the events of June 30, 2024 [1], demonstrated a commitment to the democratic process. The party's focus remained on ensuring that the grievances regarding undocumented immigrants did not lead to widespread instability.
The government continues to face pressure from various civic organizations to tighten border controls and increase the deportation of undocumented individuals. The ANC's public support for peaceful protest reflects a strategy to channel this public anger into legal frameworks, rather than street violence.
“Nomvula Mokonyane commended South Africans for peacefully protesting against undocumented immigrants.”
This development indicates a strategic effort by the ANC to validate the frustrations of its constituency regarding illegal immigration without endorsing vigilantism. By praising 'lawful' protest, the party attempts to steer public anger toward institutional channels while distancing itself from the potential for xenophobic violence that often accompanies such demonstrations in South Africa.
