Xenophobic Attacks Persist in South Africa Despite Ramaphosa’s Warning

Fresh incidents of xenophobic attacks in South Africa have continued despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s warning that authorities would crack down on groups accused of targeting foreign nationals and inciting anti-immigrant violence.

The latest developments have heightened concerns across Africa, with several countries monitoring the safety of their citizens in South Africa amid growing tensions over immigration, unemployment and economic hardship.

Speaking over the weekend, Ramaphosa condemned the attacks and warned that the government would take action against individuals and organisations seeking to exploit concerns about illegal immigration for political or criminal purposes.

The South African leader stressed that enforcing immigration laws is the responsibility of the state and not vigilante groups, urging citizens to respect the rule of law and reject violence against migrants.

Despite the warning, anti-immigration protests and incidents targeting foreign nationals have continued in some communities, highlighting the deep-rooted frustrations that have fuelled repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence in the country.

One of the latest demonstrations took place in Kwa-Thema township near Johannesburg, where protesters demanded tougher action against undocumented migrants. Although the march was largely peaceful, it reflected the persistence of anti-foreigner sentiment despite government appeals for calm.

South Africa has experienced recurring waves of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with migrants frequently blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly cautioned that foreign nationals are often made scapegoats for broader social and economic challenges, including poverty, inequality and high unemployment.

The recent unrest has already had deadly consequences.

Mozambique confirmed that at least five of its citizens were killed in attacks linked to anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, prompting hundreds of Mozambicans to return home over fears for their safety.

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The violence has also affected Nigerians living in South Africa.

Nigerian authorities recently disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians had registered for possible voluntary repatriation flights following reports of attacks and growing insecurity.

Other African countries, including Ghana and Malawi, have also taken steps to assist their citizens while expressing concerns over the safety of migrants living in South Africa.

The growing diplomatic concerns have prompted renewed calls for regional cooperation to address migration-related tensions and prevent further violence.

In response to mounting criticism, Ramaphosa announced plans to strengthen immigration enforcement, improve border management and review migration policies.

He also revealed that South Africa would dispatch envoys to several African countries and other regions to engage governments on migration concerns and reassure them about measures being taken to protect foreign nationals.

The president insisted that the majority of South Africans are not xenophobic and argued that the country’s challenges stem largely from economic pressures, unemployment and weaknesses in migration management.

However, rights groups warn that unless authorities take decisive action against perpetrators and address the underlying causes of anti-migrant hostility, xenophobic attacks could continue to threaten lives, livelihoods and regional relations.

With tensions still simmering, observers say the coming weeks will test the South African government’s ability to restore confidence, protect vulnerable communities and prevent another major outbreak of anti-immigrant violence.

Xenophobic Attacks Persist in South Africa Despite Ramaphosa’s Warning

Xenophobia: Ramaphosa Warns Anti-Immigrant Groups, Unveils Tough New Migration Measures

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned anti-immigrant groups against inciting violence and taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, insisting that the government will act decisively against individuals and organisations exploiting public concerns over illegal immigration for political, personal or criminal gain.

In a national address on Sunday, Ramaphosa acknowledged growing public frustration over illegal immigration in South Africa, but stressed that such concerns must be addressed through lawful channels rather than vigilante actions, xenophobic attacks or misinformation campaigns.

“We will act against forces who are exploiting the concerns of our people about illegal immigration to further their own political, personal and criminal agendas,” the president said.

“We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation.”

The warning comes amid rising tensions across South Africa, where anti-immigrant groups have intensified protests and some have reportedly issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country. Authorities have repeatedly stated that such ultimatums have no legal standing.

As part of efforts to address the growing concerns surrounding migration, the South African government unveiled a five-point action plan aimed at strengthening the country’s immigration management system.

The plan includes the development of a more advanced population register supported by biometric technology, expanded biometric screening at airports and major land border posts, and a renewed crackdown on corruption within the Department of Home Affairs.

The government also plans to tighten enforcement of immigration laws by prosecuting employers who knowingly hire undocumented migrants, accelerating deportation processes, and closing legal loopholes that have hindered effective migration management.

According to the presidency, the reforms are intended to ensure that all individuals entering South Africa do so legally while protecting the integrity of the country’s immigration system.

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Ramaphosa stressed that the enforcement of immigration laws remains the responsibility of government agencies and security authorities, not private citizens or self-appointed groups.

The presidency specifically condemned incidents where individuals have reportedly stopped people on the streets to demand identification documents or proof of nationality.

The government also warned against intimidation, violence and discrimination targeting foreign nationals, describing such actions as unacceptable and contrary to South Africa’s constitutional values.

Authorities further stated that access to essential services such as hospitals, schools and clinics must not be obstructed based on nationality or immigration status.

The president urged South Africans to reject misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric on social media, warning that false narratives were contributing to tensions and undermining national unity.

The latest developments have sparked concern across Africa, particularly among countries whose citizens live and work in South Africa.

Recent reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa have prompted some African governments, including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and Mozambique, to assist citizens seeking to return home amid fears for their safety.

The South African government has maintained that while it is committed to strengthening border security and enforcing immigration laws, it will not tolerate violence or discrimination against foreign nationals.

To improve regional cooperation, Ramaphosa said South Africa would continue working through the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and bilateral partnerships to better manage migration flows across the continent.

Ramaphosa attributed part of the public anger over immigration to South Africa’s economic challenges, including high unemployment, poverty and inequality.

However, he cautioned against blaming migrants for the country’s socio-economic problems, arguing that such frustrations should not be allowed to fuel xenophobia or lawlessness.

“We want a South Africa where every person who enters the country does so lawfully. A South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced. A South Africa where businesses compete fairly,” he said.

The president’s remarks underscore the government’s attempt to balance tougher immigration enforcement in South Africa with efforts to prevent further xenophobic violence and preserve social cohesion in Africa’s most industrialised economy.

As tensions continue to rise, authorities face mounting pressure to address concerns about illegal immigration while ensuring the safety and rights of both citizens and foreign nationals living in the country.

Xenophobia: Ramaphosa Warns Anti-Immigrant Groups, Unveils Tough New Migration Measures