Ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups for foreign nationals to leave the country, government officials have partnered with the Zulu Royal House to maintain peace and the rule of law.

The coalition aims to prevent vigilante violence and ensure that deportations and repatriations are conducted safely and humanely.

In response to rising tensions and localised threats of a national shutdown, a high-level government delegation met with the Prime Minister of the Zulu Kingdom Inkosi Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and members of the Royal House in Durban.

The government delegation included Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi; Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka; Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane; Chairperson of NATJOINTS, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili and Department of Home Affairs director-general Livhuwani Tommy Makhode.

Government moved to secure the backing of traditional leadership in managing concerns surrounding undocumented immigrants.

The Zulu Kingdom was requested to condemn any acts of violence and intimidation directed at foreign nationals. The Royal House reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, promising to encourage its followers to ensure any demonstrations stay strictly within constitutional boundaries.

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster has reaffirmed its readiness to safeguard all people residing in South Africa.

While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest, the JCPS cluster issued a stern reminder that all gatherings must be conducted responsibly.

Government authorities urge all communities to completely reject online misinformation, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and allow state law enforcement agencies to execute their constitutional mandates unimpeded.