Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says government will spend more than R600 million to prepare for the anticipated 30 June anti-immigration protests and any possible unrest linked to the planned demonstrations.
Speaking during a security briefing, Cachalia said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to respond to any violence, intimidation or public disorder that may arise as tensions build ahead of the deadline set by anti-immigration groups.
The minister said the money will go towards a large-scale security operation aimed at maintaining public order, protecting communities and safeguarding key infrastructure across the country.
Authorities have intensified preparations amid growing fears that the planned protests could escalate into violence in some areas.
Government has stressed that while South Africans have the constitutional right to protest peacefully, any criminality, vigilantism or attacks on people and property will not be tolerated.
The 30 June demonstrations have become one of the most closely watched protest actions in recent months, with anti-immigration groups demanding stricter action against undocumented foreign nationals.
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