Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has warned the March and March movement against lawlessness.
She says government will not allow anyone to break the law during protests.
Kubayi spoke to journalists about planned demonstrations by the anti-immigration movement next week.
However, she said she would address the matter after the upcoming local government elections.
“I will attend to them and hold a formal media briefing once the elections have passed,” Kubayi said.
Government Warns Against Lawlessness
Meanwhile, the minister stressed that nobody stands above the law.
She said South Africa must respect the rule of law at all times.
“We have to set the record straight; we can’t allow anarchy in this country,” Kubayi said.
She also pointed out that both former President Jacob Zuma and current President Cyril Ramaphosa have faced court proceedings.
According to Kubayi, this shows that nobody can place themselves above the law.
Protests Raise Concerns
The March and March movement has gained support in several provinces.
The group plans demonstrations over immigration concerns.
However, some of its protests follow misunderstandings about a Constitutional Court ruling on asylum applications.
Government has explained that the ruling does not give asylum seekers automatic legal status.
It also does not mean that South Africa has opened its borders.
Meanwhile, protests in cities such as Durban and Johannesburg have raised concerns.
Government officials are also monitoring possible tensions linked to the demonstrations.
Kubayi’s remarks come as pressure grows on government to respond to the movement.
She has made it clear that authorities will not tolerate protests that lead to violence, vandalism or other criminal acts.
