President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the nation at 18h00 on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The Presidency has confirmed the address will outline the government’s management approach to illegal migration and the recent surge in anti-foreigner protests. This follows the Cabinet’s approval of a comprehensive migration strategy, including a new National Action Plan.
Did You Know? The government’s approach to migration is informed by a report developed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, a body that has been coordinating with the Department of Employment and Labour to address these long-standing issues.
Why the government is stepping in
Rising tensions surrounding undocumented migrants have impacted several regions, with reports of protests in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated that while the Constitution protects the right to protest, individuals do not have the right to take the law into their own hands. The government has explicitly rejected calls for a “shutdown” of the country, which have been promoted by the group March and March ahead of a self-imposed June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave.
Expert Insight: The government faces a complex balancing act. It must uphold constitutional rights to assembly while simultaneously asserting state authority to prevent vigilantism. By involving the criminal justice cluster and the Department of Employment and Labour, the state is signaling that migration policy is being treated as a multi-departmental security and labor issue rather than just a policing matter.
What could happen next
Following the President’s address, representatives from the justice cluster are expected to be available to answer media questions regarding the government’s enforcement plans. Because Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane and the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) have already issued warnings against lawlessness, it is likely that law enforcement will maintain a heightened presence in areas experiencing unrest. Furthermore, as some foreign nationals have already departed the country—mirroring the 295 individuals who left via a voluntary repatriation program from Ghana last month—it is possible that the government’s formal plan may influence the decisions of remaining undocumented residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the President’s address take place?
The address will be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
What is the government’s stance on the planned “shutdown”?
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has stated clearly that no shutdown will be allowed and that no group has the right to take the law into its own hands.
What is the National Action Plan (NAP)?
The NAP is a country report on migration in South Africa that was developed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration and recently approved by the Cabinet.
How do you believe the government’s new migration plan will affect community relations in your area?