The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation will host a National Online Rally on Saturday, 27 June 2026, bringing together voices from civil society, faith communities, labour, business, political parties and community organisations under the banner: DEFEND DEMOCRACY. REJECT THE SHUTDOWN.
The rally follows growing concerns regarding calls for a national shutdown on 30 June and seeks to provide a platform for democratic voices to express their commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law and constructive solutions to South Africa’s challenges.
The Foundation recognises the legitimate concerns and lived experiences of communities affected by unemployment, crime, poor service delivery, corruption and governance failures. However, it rejects attempts to attribute South Africa’s complex challenges solely to immigration and maintains that responses to these challenges must remain consistent with the Constitution, human dignity and the rule of law.
The rally will emphasise the importance of rejecting vigilantism and making sure that lawful immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state and its institutions.
The Foundation is also concerned that calls for a national shutdown may create conditions that can be exploited by criminal elements to engage in looting, intimidation and damage to property, placing communities, workers, businesses and the country’s economy at risk.
The rally aims to demonstrate that the vast majority of South Africans do not support the objectives of the planned shutdown and reject division, lawlessness and disruption as solutions to the country’s challenges.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, 27 June 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Platform: Zoom (http://bit.ly/4vBl4iM)
Theme: Defend Democracy. Reject the Shutdown.
The programme will feature voices from across South African society, including civil society, faith communities, labour, business, political parties and community organisations. The event will conclude with a message from a respected national figure bringing together the key themes emerging from the discussion.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is available for interviews before, during and after the rally.
ENDS
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About the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation:
The Foundation aims to deepen non-racialism and promote the values of the South African Constitution. It continues the legacy of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada by advocating for ethical leadership and social justice.
Media Enquiries:
Anele Gcwabe
Communications Manager
083 278 8832
anele@kathradafoundation.org
