As South Africa approaches 30 June, a date set by anti-illegal immigration groups as a deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country, the Catholic Church is appealing for calm, respect for human dignity, and adherence to the rule of law.

In a statement titled “In Defence of Human Dignity, Justice, and Fraternity,” the Liaison Bishop for the Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), warned that while concerns about unemployment, crime, and economic hardship are real and should not be dismissed, they must never be used to justify violence or hostility towards foreign nationals.

“Lasting solutions will never be found in violence, scapegoating, or threats against foreign nationals,” said Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM.

The statement, issued on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, comes amid growing tensions in several parts of South Africa, where anti-migrant demonstrations and vigilante actions have displaced thousands of people, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape.

A call to uphold human dignity

Bishop Mbuyisa appealed to all South Africans to reject violence and to remain faithful to both the Gospel and the values enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

The Local Ordinary of Kokstad Diocese condemned any form of intimidation, threats, or attacks directed at migrants and refugees, while also cautioning against the spread of misinformation, inflammatory rhetoric, and unverified videos that risk further fuelling fear and social division.

“As Christians, we cannot ignore the clear command of Sacred Scripture to love the stranger and uphold the dignity of every human person,” the statement reads, quoting Leviticus 19:34: “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.”

Recognising legitimate concerns

At the same time, Bishop Mbuyisa acknowledged that the frustrations driving many of the current protests stem from genuine socio-economic challenges.

Issues such as unemployment, crime, and pressures surrounding informal trading continue to affect millions of South Africans and require serious attention from government and society alike.

“These concerns are real and should not be dismissed,” bishop Mbuyisa noted, while insisting that violence and scapegoating can never provide meaningful or lasting solutions.

The Church’s position echoes concerns recently raised by Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka, President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), during a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings.

Addressing the President, Archbishop Sipuka warned against placing blame for South Africa’s social and economic challenges on foreign nationals.

Rule of law and peaceful protest

In the 24 June statement, Bishop Mbuyisa called on all South Africans to uphold the rule of law and reject the politics of division and scapegoating.

This message comes as South African authorities intensify preparations ahead of 30 June. According to news reports, acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia announced this week that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will deploy extensive resources to maintain public order, with security operations expected to cost more than R600 million.

Speaking at a media briefing, Cachalia said law enforcement agencies are prepared to safeguard communities and essential infrastructure.

Building a society of fraternity

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Mbuyisa called on South Africans to work together in building a society rooted in justice, compassion, fraternity, and peace.

“Let us uphold the rule of law, resist the politics of scapegoating, and work together to build a society rooted in justice, compassion, fraternity, and peace,” Bishop Mbuyisa concluded.