How to stay safe on 30 June

As concerns grow over planned protest action and a possible national shutdown on Tuesday, 30 June, security organisations are urging the community to remain vigilant while going about their daily lives. 

Several groups have publicly announced their intention to participate in demonstrations over undocumented foreign nationals, but the scale, locations, and potential impact of the action remain unclear. 

Liron Sanders, chief executive of CSO, says people should not be afraid and should go about their business as usual, but should exercise extra caution and stay in areas they are comfortable with. 

CSO explained in a statement on 25 June that while the scale, locations, and potential impact remain unclear, it is prudent to remain informed and prepared. 

“Based on our current assessment, there is no indication that community members should alter their daily routines. However, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and exercise caution in the days leading up to, and including, 30 June. We anticipate the possibility of protest activity and road closures, although exact locations have not yet been confirmed,” said CSO. 

“We have information directly from the police, and the policing structure is putting out adequate resources and increasing its normal exposure on the day. All security companies and security partners are deploying, where possible, as many resources as they can to communities in and around their areas,” says Sanders. 

He says although no one is sure where, or whether, the protests will take place, the consensus is that any transport thoroughfare might be affected. 

“We’re hoping not, but we’re not certain. As a good example, the link between Alexandra and Sandton would be a cause for speculation as a common area for problems. But do we know for certainty? No. So the advice is to stick to areas you know and are comfortable with,” says Sanders. 

CSO Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) says it has been monitoring developments and working closely with the relevant authorities and other major role players within the security cluster to ensure the continued safety and security of the community. At present, there is no indication of a direct threat to the Jewish community. 

“At this stage, the most likely scenario remains one of isolated disruptions and localised incidents rather than widespread instability. Nevertheless, preparedness and sufficient planning remain the most effective means of reducing risk,” says the organisation. 

CSO KZN urges residents to avoid unnecessary travel between Sunday, 28 June, and Wednesday, 1 July. Consider staying home unless travel is essential. Ensure vehicles are fuelled and phones, power banks, and other communication devices are fully charged. Consider maintaining sufficient household essentials to comfortably sustain your family for up to three days should disruptions occur. 

“Plan alternative routes and avoid national freeways and metropolitan roads if possible. Should there be protest action, these will be the most likely affected areas,” says CSO KZN. 

Similarly, people should check trusted news sources for possible disruptions, plan alternative routes, and let a family member or friend know their intended route and confirm once they have arrived safely. 

“If you encounter protest activity, remain calm, avoid confrontation, and leave the area if it is safe to do so. Should you be unable to leave, seek shelter and avoid engaging with protesters,” says the organisation. 

Sanders says the biggest precaution on 30 June is to be extra vigilant of what is happening around us. 

“Obviously, if and when travelling, be aware of your surroundings and naturally, if anything does happen, you should call us so we know what’s going on,” he says.