President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday, 7 June 2026, pledging action on immigration amidst protests and the departure of foreign nationals from South Africa. This commitment comes as the government faces increasing pressure to address concerns surrounding immigration. Chartered flights on Saturday and Sunday carried Ghanaians wishing to leave the country back to their home nation, while a bus sent by the Mozambican Embassy picked up its citizens from Hermanus, facilitating their departure from South African territory. These movements highlight the immediate impact of ongoing tensions on foreign communities.
Ramaphosa stated, "I must make it clear that only the authorised government officials may act against violations of the law, including violations of our immigration laws. No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality." This statement served as a direct warning to the public not to take law enforcement into their own hands, a recurring theme in his address. He further asserted, "We know that South Africans are not xenophobic as there is no space for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia or any other forms of intolerance in South Africa." This strong condemnation of intolerance aimed to reassure both local and international communities about the nation's values.
The President also warned against external influences, saying, "We will act against forces who are exploiting the concerns of our people about illegal immigration to further their own political, personal or criminal agendas. We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals." Ramaphosa acknowledged systemic issues, stating, "There have been weaknesses in the way migration has been managed... South Africans are entitled to expect better. We accept that responsibility, and we are taking decisive action to correct these shortcomings." This admission shows the government's recognition of its role in the current situation and its commitment to reform. President Ramaphosa explicitly admitted that the government takes responsibility for its failures in controlling illegal migration, signaling a shift towards more proactive governance in this area.
Foreign Nationals Depart South Africa
Hundreds of foreign nationals departed South Africa on repatriation flights and buses organized by their respective home countries, reflecting the growing sentiment among some foreign communities to leave. Three buses also left from the Kleinmond Town Hall on Friday, transporting undocumented foreign nationals to the Lindela Repatriation Centre, a facility designated for the processing of undocumented migrants prior to deportation. These departures show the immediate consequences of the current climate for many foreign individuals residing in South Africa.
Over the weekend, 150 Malawians voluntarily left the Western Cape by bus. These individuals chose repatriation after being displaced during violent anti-foreigner protests in Mossel Bay, indicating the direct link between civil unrest and voluntary returns. Separately, 1,094 Nigerians had registered interest in a voluntary return home from South Africa, according to Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa on Friday. These registrations followed a period of xenophobic attacks, which have spurred many to seek repatriation.
Government's New Immigration Strategy
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the government's responsibility for past shortcomings in managing immigration, stating that South Africans are "entitled to expect better." He indicated that decisive action is being taken to address these issues. Ramaphosa further issued a warning to the public against taking law enforcement into their own hands, emphasizing that only authorized government officials are permitted to act against violations of the law, including those related to immigration. He reiterated that no individual is allowed to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality, reinforcing the rule of law.
The government is also implementing a strategic plan developed in collaboration with key stakeholders from the logistics and freight industry, as well as labour organisations. This full plan aims to address and rectify violations of both immigration and labour laws specifically within the transport sector. This initiative shows a concerted effort to bring greater compliance and order to a critical industry that frequently interacts with cross-border operations and foreign nationals. This collaborative approach seeks to ensure that legal frameworks are upheld while maintaining the functionality of essential services. The government's plan is a direct response to identified weaknesses in managing migration and aims to create a more regulated environment.
In a move to combat the proliferation of fraudulent documentation, the expedited phasing out of the green ID document was announced by the government. This measure is intended to enhance the security and integrity of identification processes, making it more difficult for individuals to use fake papers for various purposes. The government committed to ending the misuse of the Traffic Registration Number, a form of identification frequently utilized by foreign nationals, within three months. This action is designed to close a loophole that has been exploited, ensuring that identification processes are more strong and less susceptible to abuse. The abuse of the Traffic Registration Number has been a particular point of concern regarding the identification of foreign nationals.
A significant policy shift involves the prioritization of the phased relocation of refugee reception centres from urban areas to border posts. This strategic move aims to streamline the processing of asylum seekers and refugees at the point of entry into the country, enhancing control and efficiency. The government confirmed that the Tshwane centre would be the first to undergo this relocation process, with its move scheduled to occur this year. This initiative represents a foundational change in how the country manages the influx of individuals seeking refuge, centralizing operations closer to national boundaries and improving oversight.
Context and Underlying Concerns
South African authorities have agreed to waive penalties for visa violations, such as overstays, for Nigerians undergoing repatriation, though individuals facing criminal charges will not be eligible to leave. This concession aims to facilitate voluntary returns while upholding legal principles for those accused of crimes. Meanwhile, the government has finalized the National Labour Migration Policy. This policy proposes maximum quotas for the employment of documented foreign nationals and outlines procedures for the prosecution of employers who hire undocumented workers. The finalization of this policy is a key step in regulating the employment of foreign nationals and protecting local labour markets. To support these measures, the Employment Services Amendment Bill has been approved by Cabinet for introduction to Parliament. The bill empowers the minister to set quotas for foreign national employment, providing the legal framework for implementing the new policy.
Penalties for employing undocumented foreigners are set to increase, including provisions for imprisonment. This stricter enforcement aims to deter employers from engaging in illegal hiring practices. In connection with these enforcement efforts, the Department of Employment and Labour has initiated the phased recruitment of 10,000 inspectors during the current financial year. These additional inspectors will significantly bolster the department's capacity to monitor compliance with labour and immigration laws across various sectors. The Border Management Authority has been active in preventing illegal entry, intercepting and stopping more than 450,000 individuals attempting to enter South Africa unlawfully in the past year. This substantial number notes the ongoing challenges at the country's borders and the critical role of border security.
In Hermanus, 38 people displaced by recent anti-foreigner protests were residing on a municipal farm. However, municipal facilities in Overstrand will not be reopened to accommodate these individuals. Instead, these facilities are being prepared for a voters’ registration weekend scheduled for June 20 and 21, 2026, indicating a prioritization of electoral processes. This decision has implications for the temporary housing of displaced persons.
Political and Societal Reactions
An anti-foreigner march occurred in Daveyton, Gauteng, on Saturday, where hundreds of participants demanded that foreigners depart the country by June 30. This public demonstration reflects the strong anti-foreigner sentiment held by some segments of the population. From Gansbaai, two buses transported undocumented foreigners to the Lindela Repatriation Centre, further demonstrating the ongoing efforts to manage and repatriate undocumented individuals. The organization March and March announced a protest, labeled the "Benoni Shutdown," scheduled for 3 p.m. On Monday, indicating continuing planned actions by activist groups. Separately, a compliance operation targeting spaza shops in Kwanokuthula resulted in the arrest of several undocumented foreign nationals, noting targeted enforcement efforts in local businesses. Additionally, authorities plan to establish dedicated courts to handle immigration cases and expedite the deportation of undocumented migrants. This judicial reform aims to streamline the legal process for immigration violations, ensuring quicker resolution and more efficient management of undocumented individuals.
