Car guards stayed away from shopping centres amid anti-illegal immigration protests on Tuesday morning.
Car guards were nowhere to be seen at some shopping centres in the East Rand on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. Picture: Hein Kaiser
Apart from quiet streets, one of the most noticeable aspects of Tuesday’s anticipated mass protests is the absence of car guards at shopping centres across Gauteng’s East Rand.
30 June is the day March and March, as well as other groups, vowed to take to the streets to protest against illegal immigration in South Africa.
Car guards scarce on 30 June
The Citizen visited five shopping centres in Boksburg and Benoni on Tuesday morning.
Typically, these centres each host six or seven car guards. On the day, only one was present, identifying himself as South African, while others stayed away.
Early morning traffic was also subdued, reminiscent of Covid-19 lockdown levels.
Car guards, earning an estimated R100 a day, were absent across five centres – amounting to an estimated 30 people and R3 000 in collective lost income for the day.
However, delivery services like Checkers Sixty60 were in full swing, with drivers visible and bustling at three or four centres.
Shops close in Tshwane
In the Pretoria CBD, foreign nationals were seen locking up their shops as marchers approached the Sunnyside police station.
A few hundred residents were also marching against undocumented immigrants at Thokoza Park, Soweto.
While some sectors stayed away, others clearly continued their operations, showing a mixed response to the day’s events.
Intimidation won’t be tolerated – Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has said intimidation and vandalism will not be tolerated in the anti-illegal immigration protests.
The government also said today remains a normal working day, with public services, schools and businesses expected to continue operating as normal.
Public transport
The South African National Taxi Council confirmed on Monday that its taxis would operate as usual, while Gautrain stated that it would also operate normally across its network during the protests.
However, bus services will be affected. Rea Vaya Rapid Bus Transport has reduced its services, operating only its major lines, while Metrobus confirmed on Monday evening that it would operate a temporary schedule with route adjustments.
Additional reporting by Jarryd Westerdale and Marizka Coetzer
