Government defends children’s rights ahead of 30 June deadline

Children have become a central focus of South Africa’s increasingly heated immigration debate, with government insisting that constitutional rights cannot be suspended amid growing public pressure over access to basic services.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says healthcare, education and other essential services must remain accessible to all children living in South Africa, regardless of their nationality.

Her remarks come ahead of planned nationwide protests against illegal immigration on Tuesday, where access to public services for undocumented migrants has emerged as one of the key concerns raised by organisers.

Speaking during the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration briefing in Pretoria on Friday, Kubayi acknowledged growing frustration among some South Africans who believe strained public services are disadvantaging citizens.

However, she stressed that government remains legally obliged to protect every child within the country’s borders.

“South Africa is obligated to protect all children within the Republic, consistent with its constitutional, statutory, international and regional commitments.”

“We believe that the work the government is doing to manage migration will ensure the provision of such services to migrants is controlled, orderly and manageable, and does not disadvantage South African citizens,” she added.

She also confirmed that South Africa is strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries to improve migration management. 

Kubayi said government had engaged Mozambique following the deaths of two of its nationals during unrest in the Western Cape, with the bodies already repatriated. She added that the remains of a Malawian national killed during a march in Pietermaritzburg have yet to be returned.

She said criminal investigations into all reported deaths remain ongoing, while public order policing has been reinforced in affected areas.

Kubayi also reiterated the government’s warning ahead of Monday’s planned demonstrations, saying 30 June will be treated as a normal working day.

“Enforcement of the law is the responsibility of the State and no one else. We are ready to protect both South African citizens and foreign nationals against any form of abuse and intimidation. Businesses must operate as normal and no one has the right to infringe on that,” she said.

CLOSING THE GAPS IN LEGISLATION AND POLICY

“With regards to the delivery of social services such as health, education and other services, South Africa is obliged to protect all children within the Republic consistent with its constitutional, and statutory as well as… pic.twitter.com/ZPA2t0ryZY

— The DoJ & CD (@DOJCD_ZA) June 26, 2026

CRACKDOWN ON VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW

“Let me reiterate the message from the State which was also communicated by the President in his response to oral questions in the NCOP yesterday. Enforcement of the law is the responsibility of the State. Thus, we are ready as a State to… pic.twitter.com/Z4uN0B8hRo

— The DoJ & CD (@DOJCD_ZA) June 26, 2026