The Commission acknowledges that the right to protest is a fundamental right guaranteed in terms of the South African Constitution. When exercised lawfully, the right to protest gives people a voice, strengthens participatory democracy, promotes accountability, and advances human rights.

The Commission therefore makes a call to everyone to ensure that all protests remain peaceful, and any demonstrations are conducted lawfully, in a manner that does not incite violence or intimidation, hate speech or damage to property.  

Government has declared 30 June 2026 a normal working day, therefore many workers will be expected to report for duty as usual in line with their employment obligations. Those in the transportation industry will be expected to ferry workers to and from work. As a result, the Commission would like to remind protestors that the right to protest does not supersede other rights, it must be exercised while respecting the rights of those that will be commuting to and from work on the day.

In the month of June, the Commission, as mandated to promote, protect and monitor the observance of human rights, engaged with members of the public, civil society, Government, and United Nations Organs to ensure that human rights prevail during the anticipated nationwide marches. The Commission calls on law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint while discharging their duty to maintain law and order and to ensure the safety of all members of the public

Beyond the march: The Commission calls on Government, together with the private sector and other role players, to urgently address unemployment, socio-economic rights, porous borders, and crime to ensure that people do not only speak about their human rights as enshrined in the Constitution, but enjoy them.

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission