South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that concerns over illegal immigration are genuine but warned that violence, intimidation and acts of vigilantism will not be tolerated during the nationwide protests scheduled for June 30.
In his weekly newsletter released on Monday, Ramaphosa urged citizens to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully, stressing that grievances must be addressed through lawful and democratic means rather than violence.
The president said many South Africans have raised legitimate concerns about undocumented immigration, border security, pressure on public services and criminal syndicates exploiting the country’s immigration system.
However, he maintained that while citizens have the right to protest, that freedom does not extend to threatening others, vandalising property or engaging in violent acts.
“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution, but it does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” Ramaphosa said.
He disclosed that his administration is already working on major immigration reforms aimed at strengthening border control, improving visa and asylum systems, increasing enforcement against illegal immigration and tackling corruption within the country’s immigration processes.
According to him, the government recognises the need to fix weaknesses in the system while ensuring those responsible for enabling illegal immigration are held accountable.
Ramaphosa also cautioned citizens against taking the law into their own hands, insisting that only authorised law enforcement officers have the constitutional power to enforce immigration laws or demand identification from individuals.
He noted that many foreign nationals living in South Africa are legally resident, contributing to the country’s economy through employment, education and business, and therefore deserve the protection of the law.
The South African leader welcomed assurances from protest organisers that the demonstrations would remain peaceful but warned that anyone involved in criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
He called on citizens to reject fear, division and xenophobia, urging South Africans to protect both national security and the country’s constitutional values.
Ramaphosa’s remarks come amid weeks of anti-immigration demonstrations and reported xenophobic attacks that have prompted countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to evacuate or assist citizens wishing to leave South Africa over growing security concerns.
