Anti-migrant marches have been authorised for Tuesday in Durban, Johannesburg and other cities.
The authorities have warned organisers to ensure there is no violence but say they are prepared for any potential disruption.
The police say traditional weapons are not allowed. This could lead to tension between protesters and the police because many of the protesters are ethnic Zulus, who always take their shields, whips and sticks when they go on marches.
According to the government, more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since a wave of protests began earlier this year.
Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have been organising repatriations by air or bus over the last few weeks – with about 3,500 foreigners volunteering to leave.
South African authorities claim more than 500 Nigerians repatriated did not have correct papers, which Nigeria has disputed.
Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa, and has sometimes lead to violence.
According to the African Centre for Migration and Society’s (ACMS) xenophobic violence tracker Xenowatch, two people have been killed this year.
In 2008, more than 60 people died during a wave of rioting against non-South Africans.