Ramaphosa Condemns Xenophobic Attacks, Vows Crackdown On Illegal Immigration

Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned recent violent protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, warning that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands.

In his weekly national newsletter released on Monday, the South African president described the unrest as criminal acts carried out by “opportunists” exploiting the frustrations of struggling communities under the false banner of activism.

Ramaphosa stressed that the attacks on foreign nationals do not reflect the values of South Africans or the official policy of the government.

He also criticised individuals allegedly conducting illegal searches, checking identification documents, and carrying out actions reserved for law enforcement authorities.

“Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are,” the president stated.

While condemning xenophobic violence, Ramaphosa acknowledged growing public concerns over undocumented migration, warning that illegal immigration poses challenges to social stability, governance, and national security.

According to him, undocumented migration places increasing pressure on healthcare, housing, municipal services, and employment opportunities, particularly in poorer communities already facing economic hardship.

The president said some employers were taking advantage of undocumented migrants by hiring cheaper labour instead of employing South African citizens at lawful wages, a situation he said was fuelling social tensions and weakening labour protections.

Ramaphosa revealed that the government is strengthening border security and enforcing immigration and labour regulations more aggressively.

He commended the Border Management Authority for intercepting approximately 450,000 individuals attempting to enter South Africa illegally during the last financial year.

The president also reiterated plans to recruit up to 10,000 labour inspectors through the Department of Labour and Employment to identify businesses violating immigration and labour laws by employing undocumented foreign nationals.

In addition, he warned South Africans against participating in illegal activities connected to undocumented migration, including fake marriages, corruption, bribery, and the unlawful sale of state-subsidised housing.

Despite the growing tensions, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to African solidarity, regional integration, and human rights.

He noted that the country continues to maintain one of the continent’s strongest refugee protection systems, allowing displaced persons to live within communities and access services such as healthcare and education.

Ramaphosa also highlighted South Africa’s role in promoting regional cooperation, revealing that more than eight million African visitors entered the country last year as part of broader efforts to deepen continental integration and tourism.

The president concluded by insisting that xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance, and violence have no place in South Africa, stressing that both citizens and foreign nationals are equally bound by the nation’s laws.