People on their way to the Beitbrug border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe. (Photo: BMA/X)
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa says there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilization, intolerance or violence.
Ramaphosa said in his latest newsletter that recent violent demonstrations and crimes aimed at foreigners in parts of the country do not represent the views of South Africans and do not reflect the government’s policy.
According to Ramaphosa, valid grievances, especially those of poor communities, are being exploited by opportunists “under the false guise of community activism”. He says some people take over functions that only civil servants are allowed to perform, including preventing people from checking their identity documents and searching private property.
“Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrators or victims.”
Ramaphosa said that South Africa must deal with illegal immigration decisively and within the law, but that it must not be used as justification for xenophobia, intimidation or violence.
According to him, undocumented immigration poses risks to social stability, government and national security. He says it also puts pressure on health care, housing and municipal services, especially in poor communities, and can disrupt the labor market.
Ramaphosa said it is not only the issue of immigration itself that fuels social tension, but also that some employers exploit undocumented and cheaper foreign labour. According to him, the application of immigration and labor legislation is the task of the state, and not of communities or pressure groups.
“In its handling of illegal immigration, the government seeks to maintain a balance between constitutional and international obligations and the protection of national security.”
He says the Border Management Authority (BMO) and the army are strengthening border security and taking action against illegal cross-border operations. According to Ramaphosa, the GBO intercepted more than 450,000 people who tried to enter South Africa illegally in the past financial year.
Law enforcement in the workplace is also being stepped up against employers who employ undocumented foreigners in violation of labor and immigration laws. The government earlier announced that up to 10,000 inspectors would be deployed by the Department of Employment and Labor to ensure compliance with labor and immigration laws.
“We continue to arrest and deport offenders in accordance with the law, while fighting corruption within the immigration system,” he said.
The remarks follow amid a larger public debate on immigration, xenophobia and South Africa’s relations with other African countries.
Maroela Media earlier reported that new data from the Humanities Research Council’s (RGN) South African Social Attitudes Survey (Sasas) shows that hostility towards immigrants in South Africa has increased sharply over the past five years. In 2025, the number of people who said they would welcome all immigrants dropped to 15%, while the group who said they would welcome no immigrants rose to 28%.
The findings came shortly after Ghana called for xenophobic attacks in South Africa to be placed on the agenda of the African Union (AU). The Department of International Relations and Cooperation regretted this request and said South Africa was dealing with migration challenges with “urgency” while conducting diplomatic talks with other African countries.
Ramaphosa says South Africa, like other countries, will continue to exercise its sovereign right to regulate migration, secure borders and enforce laws.
“Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws and we are committed to ensuring that they are respected and upheld by citizens and foreigners.”