President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned the recent wave of xenophobic violence and targeted attacks across South Africa.
He characterized the perpetrators as opportunists who are weaponizing the nation’s deep-seated socio-economic challenges to justify criminal acts and advance their own agendas.
In a strongly worded public address issued on Monday, he made it clear that the disorder tearing through parts of the nation does not speak for the government or the vast majority of peace-loving citizens, even as reports emerge of looting, clashes and intimidation in Durban, Cape Town, East London and KwaZulu-Natal.
Ramaphosa warned that any individuals who take it upon themselves to stop vehicles, conduct searches or demand identity documents without official authority are breaking the law and undermining the state.
He stressed that such behaviour amounts to a dangerous form of vigilantism that cannot be excused, no matter who the targets or the perpetrators may be.
“These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism,’” Ramaphosa said.
He added that some people are unlawfully seizing functions reserved solely for state officials and vowed that this brand of lawlessness would not be tolerated regardless of who is involved.
The president nevertheless acknowledged the real pressures driving public anger, insisting that illegal immigration must be tackled through lawful and orderly channels.
Undocumented migration, he said, places heavy strain on public services and deepens the unemployment crisis already gripping the country.
“In a country with high unemployment, some employers are exploiting undocumented, cheaper foreign labour over hiring citizens and paying them legal wages. This is fuelling social tension and undermining labour protection laws,” he said.
To confront these challenges head-on, Ramaphosa detailed stepped-up border security measures, including enhanced operations by the Border Management Authority and the deployment of military personnel to stem illegal crossings.
He disclosed that authorities intercepted roughly 450,000 attempted unlawful entries during the past financial year.
The government is also intensifying enforcement actions, carrying out arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants while overhauling the broader migration system.
“We are stepping up workplace enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals in violation of labour and immigration laws,” the president announced.
He revealed that up to 10,000 labour inspectors would be deployed to boost compliance with both employment and immigration regulations.
Ramaphosa called on citizens and foreign nationals alike to obey South African laws, warning that activities involving fake documentation, bribery or the abuse of public services would be vigorously prosecuted.
“Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws,” he declared. “We must make it clear that there is no place for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence.”
Defending the country’s refugee and migration policies, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to upholding human rights even while managing the practical burdens of immigration.
He highlighted the nation’s ongoing contribution to continental unity, noting that millions of visitors from across Africa arrive every year for tourism, education and trade.
“South Africa continues to play its part in deepening African integration and solidarity,” he said.
The president urged neighbouring countries to work together in tackling migration issues and appealed for calm and restraint as tensions continue to simmer.
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