Ramaphosa slams xenophobic violence, vows illegal immigrants arrest

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned recent violent protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country, describing those behind the unrest as “opportunists” exploiting legitimate socio-economic grievances. In a public address issued on Monday, Ramaphosa indicated the violent acts being recorded in some communities do not represent the South African government or the majority of citizens.

He stressed that individuals involved in stopping people, conducting searches, or checking identities without legal authority were engaging in unlawful conduct. “These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism. “Some of these people are assuming functions that only state officials are permitted to perform.

Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are,” he indicated. The president, meanwhile, maintained that South Africa must continue to address illegal immigration in a lawful and structured manner, warning that undocumented migration places pressure on public services and worsens unemployment. “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 showed. The government was strengthening border security through the Border Management Authority and deploying the military to curb illegal crossings. from him, about 450,000 attempted illegal entries were intercepted in the past financial year. He also confirmed ongoing immigration enforcement actions, including arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants, alongside reforms to the country’s migration system.