Johannesburg – The Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, has met with representatives of the private security industry ahead of the 30 June 2026 “March and March” deadline for “undocumented” foreign nationals to leave the country.
The Ministry of Police said the minister’s meeting earlier on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, was part of an initiative to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors in safeguarding the country’s stability and security ahead of the planned June 30 demonstrations.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes, the Ministry said: “The meeting recognised the important role that the private security industry can play as a force multiplier in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly during periods of heightened security concerns and increased public mobilisation”.
Acting Minister Cachalia opened the meeting by acknowledging that tensions had emerged as a result of immigration-related challenges facing the country.
He said that while the government continues to address these complex issues through the appropriate channels, all stakeholders have a responsibility to ensure that South Africa remains stable, peaceful, and safe.
The Acting Minister noted that threats of violence present a considerable risk to national security, particularly in light of the devastating impact of the July 2021 unrest.
“Developments leading up to 30 June 2026 have been associated with various forms of mobilisation and conduct that have the potential to undermine South Africa’s standing both within the region and globally,” the statement said.
“The meeting emphasised the importance of combining the capabilities and resources of both the public and private sectors.
“Enhanced information sharing, coordinated planning, and the pooling of resources were identified as key measures to effectively manage security risks during this period.”
Representatives of the private security industry welcomed the call for closer collaboration and pledged their support in ensuring that any planned demonstrations on 30 June 2026 take place in a safe and lawful environment.
The industry advised that it has already commenced preparations and expressed its readiness to “contribute to maintaining public safety”.
In his closing remarks, Acting Minister Cachalia expressed appreciation for the “willingness” of the private security industry to make its resources available in support of national stability efforts.
He emphasised the need to optimise these resources through effective coordination and collaboration.
Acting Minister Cachalia further noted that there is a heightened level of public concern and anxiety surrounding recent developments, and that clear, consistent communication with all stakeholders and communities will play an important role in promoting calm and confidence.
Quoting Sun Tzu, the Acting Minister concluded: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
This principle, he said, underscores the importance of prevention, cooperation, and preparedness in safeguarding the nation.
Commenting on the meeting, acting South African Police Service National police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said: “Today’s engagement reaffirmed our collective commitment to proactive planning, intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and joint responses where necessary.
“We are pleased by the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by the private security industry during today’s discussions.”
The private security industry is a critical partner in the fight against crime and in maintaining stability.
With hundreds of thousands of security officers deployed throughout the country and significant technology and operational resources at its disposal, the industry serves as an important force multiplier for law enforcement.
Private security officers are often the first eyes and ears on the ground.
They operate in communities, business districts, industrial areas, shopping centres, and residential neighbourhoods throughout the country.
“Through the Eyes and Ears Initiative and our partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa, private security companies continue to play an important role in supporting crime prevention and enhancing situational awareness,” said acting commissioner, Lieutenant General Dimpane.
“The value of this partnership has already been demonstrated before.
“Today, we are encouraged by the commitment shown by private security companies who have agreed that we cannot afford to fail.
