JOHANNESBURG
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens planning to protest against undocumented migrants to do so peacefully, warning against intimidation, threats and vigilantism ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa acknowledged that South Africans have legitimate concerns about illegal immigration, border security and pressure on public services.
However, he stressed that such concerns must be addressed through the rule of law rather than intimidation or unlawful action.
“The exercise of rights by any citizen in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by intimidation, threats or ultimatums. It must be determined through democratic institutions, evidence and the rule of law,” Ramaphosa said.
The President’s remarks come as thousands of undocumented migrants have left South Africa in recent weeks amid fears of xenophobic violence.
Several African governments have also begun assisting their nationals to return home as tensions continue to rise.
The June 30 deadline was issued by anti-immigration groups and is not an official government directive.
South African authorities have repeatedly stated that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the state and have warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands.
While Ramaphosa has defended the government’s efforts to strengthen border management and accelerate the deportation of undocumented migrants, he has also condemned xenophobic violence and warned that anyone engaging in criminal acts during the planned demonstrations will face the full force of the law.
Security agencies have intensified preparations ahead of nationwide protests amid fears that demonstrations could escalate into violence similar to previous outbreaks of xenophobic unrest. Authorities have deployed additional police resources and placed emergency response measures on standby in several provinces.
South Africa has experienced recurring waves of anti-immigrant violence over the past two decades, often fueled by high unemployment, economic hardship and perceptions that undocumented migrants compete with citizens for jobs and public services.
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