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

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