South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned anti-immigrant groups and their leaders against inciting lawlessness and violence, vowing that his government will move against individuals and organisations exploiting public concerns over illegal immigration for political, personal or criminal gain.
Addressing the nation on Sunday, Ramaphosa acknowledged that many South Africans hold legitimate concerns about illegal immigration but cautioned that such concerns must not be weaponised to fuel unrest or division.
“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,” he said in a statement posted on his official X account. “We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation.”
The president stressed that the enforcement of immigration laws remains the sole responsibility of the government and not of private groups or vigilante organisations, and issued a direct warning to employers found violating immigration and labour regulations that they would face serious consequences.
Accompanying his address, the presidency published a five-point migration action plan on X, outlining the government’s approach to the crisis.
The plan commits to strengthening the immigration system through measures including building an intelligent population register with biometric data, extending biometric screening to all international airports and major land ports, and cracking down on corruption within the Home Affairs department.
The government also intends to close gaps in existing laws and policies, including developing a unified legal framework on migration, strengthening prosecution of employers who hire undocumented workers, and supporting local traders through the Spaza Shop Fund.
The presidency further outlined what it said the government would not tolerate, listing vigilante groups demanding documentation from people on the streets, violence and intimidation against foreign nationals, the blocking of access to hospitals, clinics and schools, and the spread of misinformation on social media.
On the continental front, the plan commits South Africa to working through the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and bilateral relationships to better manage migration across the region.
Ramaphosa’s remarks come against the backdrop of sharply rising tensions over immigration, where vigilante groups have unleashed a wave of xenophobic violence and issued a deadline of 30 June 2026 for undocumented immigrants to vacate the country.
The South African government has stressed that the ultimatum carries no official standing, but the threat has spread fear among migrant communities and prompted repatriations by Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi.
The president attributed part of the unrest to rising unemployment and worsening socio-economic conditions but cautioned against directing such frustrations toward migrants, urging citizens to reject misinformation and stand united behind the rule of law.
“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,” Ramaphosa said.
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