Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says law enforcement agencies are on high alert and prepared to respond to any security threats ahead of 30 June, as anti-illegal immigration groups ramp up pressure on government and undocumented foreign nationals.
A large-scale police deployment is being rolled out across the country, with security operations intensified in all provinces from this week.
The heightened security measures come after several anti-illegal immigration groups issued an ultimatum, giving undocumented foreign nationals until the end of June to leave South Africa. The groups have also demanded that government present a concrete plan to address illegal immigration by the same deadline.
Speaking on the security preparations, Cachalia expressed confidence in the readiness of law enforcement agencies.
"I am satisfied that the police are ready to deploy across the country," he said.
"We will be engaging with all provincial Premiers, mayors, metro police, the private security industry to ensure that we have the resources in place to deal with any eventuality," he added.
The acting minister said authorities are particularly concerned about the possibility of rogue elements infiltrating protest movements and escalating demonstrations into civil unrest.
While reaffirming the constitutional right to protest, Cachalia warned that law enforcement would act decisively against criminal behaviour.
"I am under no illusion that there are some forces that are involved in this kind of mobilisation," he said.
"That concerns me because the police have the right to protect the right to protest, but they also have to deal with criminality."
Government has repeatedly stated that while concerns around illegal immigration are being addressed, any protests must remain peaceful and within the bounds of the law.