South African authorities have deployed police units and military assets across the nation in anticipation of planned anti-immigration demonstrations. The precautionary measure comes amid fears that the protests, organized by vigilante groups demanding the departure of undocumented foreign nationals, could escalate into violence and looting.

Security personnel were visible patrolling the streets of Johannesburg, the country's economic hub, where many businesses opted to close their doors. The presence of South African National Defence Force trucks and equipment further underscored the government's concern about potential unrest.

The demonstrations were organized by groups such as "March and March," which had set an unofficial deadline of June 30 for undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Organizers have stated their intention to remain peaceful and focus solely on undocumented migrants, though reports indicate that documented foreigners have also faced harassment.

Authorities are keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2008 anti-migrant riots, which resulted in the deaths of 62 people and widespread looting. This deployment also follows the nation's deadliest unrest since the end of apartheid in July 2021, which saw over 350 fatalities after the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma.

In recent weeks, individuals carrying sticks have been observed moving through Johannesburg and Durban, chanting slogans like "abahambe," an isiZulu and isiXhosa phrase meaning "they must leave." These groups have reportedly interrogated and, in some instances, assaulted migrants. The situation has drawn concern from neighboring countries, with Mozambique reporting the deaths of five of its nationals.

Despite claims suggesting that foreign-born migrants number between 15 and 20 million, official estimates place the figure at around 4% of South Africa's 62 million population. Many migrants are employed in the informal sector, a situation exacerbated by economic pressures in neighboring countries.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, a leader of "March and March," has publicly stated that the group is not calling for violence and that no deaths or looting will occur "in our name" on June 30. However, the history of xenophobic violence in South Africa casts a shadow over these assurances.

The government's preemptive deployment aims to maintain order and protect both citizens and foreign nationals, as the country navigates the complex social and economic issues surrounding immigration.