The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has rejected reports circulating on social media claiming it will deploy soldiers ahead of planned protests on 30 June 2026.

These claims emerged as the anti-illegal immigration group March and March announced a planned shutdown at the end of June, calling for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in South Africa.

In a statement, the SANDF said the reports are “false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading.” It stressed that no deployment orders have been issued.

“The SANDF has not at any stage issued any directive or made preparations for deployment in relation to these activities,” the statement said.

The military also emphasised that the Constitution allows for peaceful protest but warned against the spread of misinformation on social media.

“The SANDF distances itself entirely from these claims and cautions against the dissemination of unverified information that undermines public trust and creates unnecessary alarm,” the SANDF said.