Monday, 11 May 2026
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a strong statement condemning the recent violent protests and criminal acts targeting foreign nationals, while also acknowledging the need to address illegal migration within the law.
“Dear Fellow South African,
The recent violent protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals in parts of our country do not represent the views of South Africa’s people nor reflect our government’s policy,” Ramaphosa wrote.
He said the violence was being carried out by “opportunists” exploiting legitimate grievances under the false guise of ‘community activism’. Some have even assumed powers reserved for state officials, including stopping people to check IDs and searching private property. “Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are.”
At the same time, Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa must deal decisively with illegal immigration, which he said poses risks to social stability, governance and national security. Undocumented migration is placing strain on healthcare, housing and municipal services, and distorting the labour market by allowing some employers to hire cheaper foreign labour over citizens.
“This is fuelling social tension and actively undermining our labour protection regime and eroding the hard-won rights of workers.”
Government’s Response
To tackle the issue, Ramaphosa outlined several measures:
The Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Defence Force are strengthening border security, with the BMA intercepting 450,000 people trying to enter illegally in the past financial year.
Government is stepping up workplace enforcement against employers hiring undocumented foreign nationals, and will hire up to 10,000 labour inspectors to ensure compliance.
Authorities continue to arrest and deport undocumented foreign nationals while fighting corruption within the immigration system.
Ramaphosa also called out South Africans who collude with undocumented migrants through fake marriages, illegal sale of state housing, or bribery for social services, saying this only deepens the problem.
On African Solidarity and Refugee Protection
The President reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to African integration and its strong refugee protection framework. Unlike some countries, South Africa does not confine refugees to camps — they can live in communities, work, and access healthcare and education.
Last year, 8 million of the 10.5 million tourist arrivals were from other African countries, and South Africa continues to host African students, academics, and the Pan-African Parliament.
“Our demonstrated commitment to deepening African integration and solidarity should not be undermined by isolated acts of criminality,” he said.
Ramaphosa concluded by stating that while South Africa has a sovereign right to regulate migration and secure its borders, “there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence.”
“Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws and we are committed to ensure that they are respected and upheld by citizen and foreign national alike.”
