The City of Tshwane has commended residents for conducting peaceful demonstrations over immigration concerns, with no incidents of violence reported during marches held across the metro on Tuesday, 30 June 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said the demonstrations were carried out within the framework of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to peaceful protest.
“The City of Tshwane recorded no acts of violence as citizens participated in peaceful marches and gatherings to highlight concerns about immigration,” Moya said.
The main march took place in the Pretoria CBD after receiving approval from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD). The demonstration was monitored by a strong law enforcement presence, including members of the TMPD and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Smaller gatherings were also held in Mamelodi, Bronkhorstspruit, Soshanguve, Nellmapius, Olivenhoutbosch, Stinkwater, Ga-Rankuwa and Mabopane. Although the first wave of planned demonstrations has concluded, the city’s security cluster remains on high alert.
Moya said Tshwane has been responding to growing public concerns over illegal immigration through intensified by-law enforcement operations.
“Tshwane has been at the forefront to respond to citizens’ growing concerns about illegal immigration. In the past 18 months, we have led dozens of by-law enforcement operations that have successfully apprehended undocumented immigrants,” she said.
The mayor also acknowledged the pressures many residents face due to population growth, saying the peaceful protests ensured that citizens’ concerns were heard by government.
“We are cognisant of the economic and service delivery pressures felt by residents who are forced to share resources in a rapidly growing population. The peaceful demonstrations ensured that the essence of the grievances were heard by the government. Tshwane remains committed to continue its by-law enforcement mandate,” Moya added.
The marches formed part of nationwide demonstrations calling for stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals, with authorities maintaining that while citizens have the constitutional right to protest peacefully, law enforcement will continue to monitor the situation to ensure public safety.
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