Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga met in Johannesburg on June 22 [2] to finalize security plans for upcoming protests.
The coordination effort comes as the government prepares for nationwide demonstrations scheduled for June 30 [1]. These protests, organized by the March and March movement, demand the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from the country [3].
During the media briefing, the ministers clarified the role of security forces in managing the events. Cachalia and Motshekga said that no troops from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) would be deployed for the operations [1]. The briefing served to address public concerns and clarify the scope of the security response as the date of the demonstrations approaches [2].
While the SANDF has rejected claims of troop deployment, the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains on high alert [3]. The government aims to maintain public order while the March and March movement pursues its agenda regarding foreign nationals [3].
The meeting in Johannesburg on June 22 [2] was intended to ensure that police and defense officials are aligned on the operational strategy. By denying the use of military personnel, the ministers said they are relying on civilian police forces to handle the June 30 [1] events.
“No troops would be deployed.”
The government's decision to rely solely on the police rather than the military suggests an attempt to avoid escalating the perceived intensity of the state's response. By explicitly denying troop deployment, officials are likely trying to prevent the protests from becoming a flashpoint for further instability, while still acknowledging the high-alert status of the SAPS to deter violence.
