President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed public concerns regarding illegal immigration in South Africa, urging national unity while his government intensifies efforts to manage migration. Ramaphosa cautioned against campaigns spreading misinformation and discord, stating that unchecked illegal migration poses a risk to the nation's security, stability, and economic progress. "We know that South Africans are not xenophobic," President Ramaphosa said, adding that his administration "will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals." He also expressed concern that "anti-foreigner sentiment is at times accompanied by tribal and ethnic slurs, insults or attacks aimed at other South Africans." Ramaphosa emphasized that "No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality." He concluded, "We expect foreign nationals to respect our laws. We, therefore, need to respect [the laws] ourselves."
Addressing Public Concerns
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged growing public concerns among the public regarding migration, specifically noting pressure on public services, jobs, safety, and the rule of law. He recognized that illegal migration affects service delivery and places additional burdens on essential services such as health care and education. Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of upholding the law, stating, "We expect foreign nationals to respect our laws. We, therefore, need to respect [the laws] ourselves." He also cautioned against unlawful actions by citizens, asserting, "No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality." The President reiterated his administration's stance against misinformation, declaring, "We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals." He further expressed concern that "anti-foreigner sentiment is at times accompanied by tribal and ethnic slurs, insults or attacks aimed at other South Africans."
State's Responsibility and Rights
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa retains the right to enforce its immigration laws and prevent irregular migration, asserting that this responsibility rests solely with the State. Ramaphosa stated that government would act against those attempting to destabilize the country for political, personal, or criminal gain. He added, "We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals." The President also affirmed South Africa's commitment to protecting the human rights of all individuals within its borders and honoring its international obligations. Ramaphosa stressed that "We expect foreign nationals to respect our laws. We, therefore, need to respect [the laws] ourselves," cautioning that "No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality." He further noted concern that "anti-foreigner sentiment is at times accompanied by tribal and ethnic slurs, insults or attacks aimed at other South Africans."
Combating Misinformation and Lawlessness
President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that criminal syndicates frequently exploit undocumented migration for recruitment and to conceal illicit goods. These syndicates operate in areas such as human trafficking, extortion, illegal mining, drug trafficking, and money laundering. Ramaphosa cautioned against public actions, stating, "No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality." He affirmed that South Africa possesses the capacity to address illegal immigration effectively while upholding its constitutional values and the spirit of Ubuntu. The President emphasized that the government "will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals." He also expressed concern, "We must be concerned that anti-foreigner sentiment is at times accompanied by tribal and ethnic slurs, insults or attacks aimed at other South Africans." Ramaphosa concluded, "We expect foreign nationals to respect our laws. We, therefore, need to respect [the laws] ourselves."
