South Africa cannot afford repeat of July 2021 unrest, says Cachalia

Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, says South Africa cannot afford a repeat of the devastating July 2021 unrest, as security forces intensify preparations ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations on 30 June.

Cachalia has embarked on a nationwide readiness assessment, with all nine provinces included in his itinerary to ensure law enforcement agencies are prepared to maintain law and order on the day of planned protests.

Speaking during a visit to the Western Cape on Tuesday, Cachalia said authorities are closely monitoring areas where protest action is expected.

“Every area where we anticipate protest action, or where protests emerge spontaneously, is being monitored. We are ready to deploy proactively and reactively. Those planning disruption should understand that we are not waiting for disorder to occur before taking action,” he said.

While some have raised concerns about possible unrest, the Cachalia expressed hope that 30 June will proceed as a normal working day.

“People who want to open their businesses must be able to do so. People who want to go to work must be able to go to work without fear or interference,” he said.

Cachalia added that law enforcement officials would continue to carry out their duties without intimidation.

His comments come amid growing concern over calls for demonstrations later this month, with authorities keen to avoid a repeat of the July 2021 unrest, which left more than 300 people dead and caused billions of rands in damage.

The Western Cape visit marks the second stop in Cachalia’s nationwide assessment, following a meeting with Gauteng police leadership in Parktown on Monday.

During his visit, the Minister received a briefing on crime trends in Nyanga and operational challenges facing officers on the ground. He later said the province is well prepared for the upcoming demonstrations.

While reaffirming the constitutional right to protest, Cachalia stressed that violence and criminality will not be tolerated.

Lt General (Dr) Zulu is leading the SAPS delegation, joined by the Provincial Commissioner of the WC, Lt General (Adv) Patekile. The Minister is being briefed on the crime landscape in Nyanga and the challenges faced by the SAPS members in carrying out their duties. pic.twitter.com/Upl1yFnm8N

— Firoz Cachalia (@Prof_Cachalia) June 23, 2026

Meanwhile, March and March leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has criticised a joint media briefing held by Cachalia and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga on Monday, accusing the government of issuing  what she described as threats to ordinary citizens.

Ngobese-Zuma questioned why government was focusing on warning protesters instead of engaging with the core concerns behind the planned demonstrations.

Cachalia has rejected the claims, saying government welcomes peaceful protests but will not tolerate criminality disguised as the exercise of constitutional rights.

“I got some responses to my statement yesterday that the rule of law has to be upheld, which suggests that the statement does not accept the legitimacy of the protest and the underlying grievance. That’s not correct. But we have to be clear and emphatic that the right to protest shouldn’t be used as an excuse for criminality or as an excuse for abusive behaviour. Only the police and other officials have the responsibility to enforce the law,” said Cachalia. 

Jacinta Ngobese Zuma responding on the so-called government press briefing to threatened South Africans

They even went as so far as spending R600 million to protect illegal foreigners
Instead of facing the real problem of millions of illegal immigrants all over the country
Again… pic.twitter.com/0VdWqYNB84

— BK kaNhlangothi (@Bhekabk) June 22, 2026