South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for respect for the rule of law amid rising anti-illegal migration protests, condemning violence against foreign nationals while balancing border control, national security, and African solidarity during growing tensions over undocumented migration.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged both citizens and foreign nationals to respect the rule of law as authorities intensify measures to tackle illegal migration and growing tensions linked to undocumented migrants across the country.
In his weekly newsletter published on Monday, Ramaphosa strongly condemned recent violent protests and criminal activities targeting foreign nationals in several South African cities. He stressed that such incidents do not represent the values of the South African people or the official policy of the government.
The President said some groups were taking advantage of public frustration, especially among poorer communities, by presenting themselves as community activists while engaging in unlawful behavior. According to Ramaphosa, these individuals are exploiting social and economic concerns to spread fear and division.
He warned that certain people had started performing duties legally reserved for state authorities, including demanding identification documents from individuals and conducting unauthorized searches of private properties. Ramaphosa made it clear that such actions violate the law and would not be tolerated regardless of who is involved.
Since late April, demonstrations against illegal migration have taken place in major South African cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban. Protest groups have demanded stricter action against undocumented migrants, with some calling for foreigners living illegally in the country to leave.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that undocumented migration has increased pressure on public services such as healthcare, housing, and municipal infrastructure, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities. He also noted that some employers exploit undocumented migrants by paying wages below legal standards, a practice that fuels resentment among local workers and communities struggling with unemployment and poverty.
The South African leader emphasized that the government is attempting to balance its constitutional responsibilities and international obligations while protecting national security and maintaining public order. He said South Africa remains committed to African unity, regional cooperation, and solidarity despite current challenges surrounding migration.
Ramaphosa also issued a strong warning against xenophobia and ethnic division, saying there is no place in South Africa for intolerance, violence, or hate-driven mobilization. He urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead allow state institutions to address migration-related concerns through legal and constitutional processes.
The statement comes amid growing diplomatic attention from other African nations regarding the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa. On Friday, the South African government rejected accusations that the country is xenophobic, describing recent incidents as isolated acts rather than a reflection of national policy.
The response followed a request by Ghana for the African Union to discuss what it described as xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa during the upcoming African Union Mid-Year Coordination Summit scheduled for June.
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South African officials reiterated that the country remains open to diplomatic dialogue and cooperation with African states on migration issues. The government also pledged continued engagement with regional partners to address illegal migration, border security, and social tensions without undermining African integration and mutual respect among nations.
