President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned recent violent protests and criminal attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, describing the incidents as unlawful acts carried out by opportunists exploiting public frustration over illegal immigration.
In a national message, Ramaphosa said the violence and intimidation directed at foreign nationals do not reflect government policy or the views of most South Africans.
He warned that some individuals had taken the law into their own hands by stopping people to demand identification documents and searching private property, actions he said are reserved for state officials.
The South African leader, however, acknowledged growing concerns over undocumented migration, saying illegal immigration places pressure on healthcare, housing and municipal services, especially in poor communities.
Ramaphosa also accused some employers of exploiting undocumented migrants as cheap labour instead of hiring South Africans at legal wages, warning that the practice was increasing social tensions and weakening labour protections.
He said authorities were strengthening border security through the Border Management Authority and the Defence Force, adding that nearly 450,000 people attempting to enter the country illegally were intercepted in the last financial year.
The president said the government would continue arresting and deporting undocumented migrants in line with the law while also increasing workplace inspections to enforce labour and immigration regulations.
Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s commitment to African solidarity, refugee protection and regional cooperation, while insisting there is no place for xenophobia, violence or ethnic intolerance in the country.
