PRETORIA, South Africa — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned recent violent protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals while defending stronger enforcement measures against illegal immigration.
In his weekly national address released Monday, Ramaphosa said the violence and criminal acts directed at foreigners did not represent the views of South Africans or government policy.
“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,” he said.
The president accused opportunists of exploiting frustrations in poor communities under the guise of community activism, warning that some individuals were unlawfully assuming powers reserved for state officials.
“Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are,” Ramaphosa said.
The remarks come amid rising tensions over undocumented migration and growing public debate around pressure on public services, employment, and crime in parts of South Africa.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that illegal immigration posed challenges to social stability, governance, and national security, particularly in economically vulnerable communities.
“Undocumented migration places strain on healthcare, housing, and municipal services, particularly in poor communities,” he said.
The president also argued that some employers were exploiting undocumented foreign labour at the expense of South African workers by paying lower wages and bypassing labour protections.
“In a country with high unemployment, some employers are exploiting undocumented, cheaper foreign labour over hiring citizens and paying them legal wages,” he said.
Ramaphosa announced that authorities were intensifying workplace inspections and border enforcement as part of broader efforts to tackle illegal immigration while complying with constitutional and international obligations.
He said the Border Management Authority and the defence force had intercepted approximately 450,000 attempted illegal border crossings during the last financial year.
The president also referenced plans announced earlier in the State of the Nation Address to recruit up to 10,000 labour inspectors through the Department of Labour and Employment to strengthen enforcement of labour and immigration laws.
He said South Africa would continue arresting and deporting undocumented migrants in accordance with the law while addressing corruption within the immigration system.
At the same time, Ramaphosa warned against xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation and violence, stressing that South Africa remained committed to African solidarity and regional integration.
“Since 1994 we have actively advanced a culture of human rights, all the while deepening the cause of African integration, cooperation and solidarity,” he said.
The president defended South Africa’s refugee protection framework, noting that refugees in the country are allowed to integrate into communities, access education and healthcare, and participate in the economy.
He also highlighted South Africa’s broader role in continental cooperation, saying visitors from African countries accounted for more than eight million of the country’s 10.5 million tourist arrivals last year.
Ramaphosa said isolated acts of violence should not damage South Africa’s international reputation or undermine decades of regional solidarity since the end of apartheid.
“Like every other country in the world, we will continue asserting our sovereign right to regulate migration, secure our borders and enforce our laws,” he said.
“We must make it clear that there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence.”
