The MK Party says its members will take part in the June 30 protest linked to the March and March campaign against undocumented migration. The party also used a Thursday briefing in Johannesburg to announce the expulsion of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and former spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
The MK Party June 30 protest stance adds a major opposition party to a tense national debate over immigration, policing and public order. However, government has said the June 30 deadline is not an official state directive.
MK Party backs June 30 action
MK Party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo said members would join the protest to make their views heard on undocumented migration. According to the provided source, he warned members against looting and said misconduct would not be tolerated.
Mail & Guardian reported on 4 June 2026 that Nomvalo said the party was behind March and March, which has called on undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by 30 June. He also argued that the campaign targeted people in the country unlawfully, not documented migrants.
However, the state has rejected claims that the June 30 deadline carries official force. AFP reported that government had not issued any directive ordering undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by that date, after fake notices circulated online.
Expulsions deepen MK Party tensions
At the same briefing, the MK Party expelled Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela. TimesLIVE and EWN reported that the party accused them of conduct that undermined unity, discipline and cohesion.
Nomvalo said Zuma-Sambudla used public platforms and social media to promote factional narratives and expose internal party matters. Ndhlela was accused of acting without authority, including by holding unauthorised media briefings and misrepresenting party positions.
“Their membership of the MK Party is hereby terminated,” Nomvalo said, according to TimesLIVE. The reports reviewed did not include immediate responses from Zuma-Sambudla or Ndhlela.
Government urges lawful protest
President Cyril Ramaphosa said on 7 June that only authorised officials may act against immigration-law violations. He also warned that South Africa must address illegal migration without violence, intimidation, victimisation or xenophobia.
The SANDF has separately dismissed social media claims that soldiers would deploy ahead of the June 30 protest. In a 29 May statement, it said no directive or preparations had been made for such a deployment, while noting that the Constitution allows peaceful protest.
Home Affairs said on 9 April that it carried out 109,344 deportations over the past two financial years, by 31 March 2026. That figure forms part of the government’s wider enforcement push as the MK Party June 30 protest debate intensifies.
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