Johannesburg, May 11 (IANS) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday urged both citizens and foreign nationals to respect the rule of law as the government intensifies efforts to address illegal migration.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa condemned recent violent protests and criminal acts targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country, saying such actions do not reflect the views of South Africans or government policy.
“These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism,” he said.
The President said some individuals were unlawfully taking on duties reserved for state authorities, including checking identification documents and searching private property, and warned that “such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are”.
From late April, anti-illegal migration marches have taken place in several South African cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, with some groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
Ramaphosa also acknowledged that undocumented migration places pressure on public services such as healthcare, housing, and municipal infrastructure, particularly in poor communities.
Some employers exploit undocumented migrants by paying wages below legal standards, fuelling tensions with local communities, he added.
“In tackling illegal migration, we are balancing our constitutional and international obligations with safeguarding national security,” said the President. “Our demonstrated commitment to deepening African integration and solidarity should not be undermined by isolated acts of criminality.”
“We must make it clear that there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance, or violence,” he added.
South Africa on Friday rejected accusations that the country is xenophobic, describing recent incidents involving foreign nationals as isolated, while reaffirming its openness to diplomatic engagement and dialogue with African countries on migration issues.
The move came after Ghana requested that the African Union debate at the upcoming African Union Mid-Year Coordination Summit in June what it described as “xenophobic attacks” against African nationals in South Africa.
–IANS
ksk/dan