South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed national concerns regarding illegal migration amid increasing anti-immigrant protests. Speaking on national television, he acknowledged the contentious issue and pledged government action. Ramaphosa’s comments come as anti-migrant groups set a deadline for illegal foreign nationals to leave by June 30, emphasizing the urgency for discussions with the government.
South Africa has experienced violence linked to anti-immigrant sentiment, notably in 2008 when over 60 people died in xenophobic violence. Recent protests focus on concerns that illegal migrants worsen unemployment rates and strain public services like health and education.
Many South Africans are raising difficult but legitimate questions. These concerns are real. They deserve to be heard and they deserve to be addressed,
Ramaphosa stated. He reminded citizens that only authorized officials could enforce the law, cautioning against groups inciting tensions.
Estimates indicate 2 to 5 million migrants reside in South Africa illegally, from a population of 62 million. As the region’s wealthiest nation, South Africa draws migrants from neighboring countries like Zimbabwe and Mozambique, as well as further afield from Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, and Ethiopia.
Recent reports from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique highlight their citizens facing violence and threats due to their status as foreigners in South Africa. Ghana recently repatriated around 300 people, citing threats against them, while Mozambique noted five deaths in the coastal town of Mossel Bay in xenophobic incidents.
The South African coalition government, established in 2024, emphasizes immigration, deporting over 100,000 illegal migrants in two years. Ramaphosa reported 450,000 undocumented border crossings thwarted in the past year.
Ramaphosa acknowledged past “weaknesses” in migration management and promised decisive government measures. He appealed for unity, stressing the importance of not turning against one another over these issues.