South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning against xenophobic attacks and vigilantism ahead of planned demonstrations on 30 June, stressing that only the state has the authority to enforce immigration laws.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the National Council of Provinces, Ramaphosa cautioned citizens against taking the law into their own hands by stopping people on the streets to demand identification documents.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of everyone living in South Africa, regardless of nationality, and condemned growing anti-foreigner rhetoric that has intensified in recent weeks.
Ramaphosa said the government had strengthened border security, intensified law enforcement operations and improved immigration management to address illegal migration. However, he emphasised that all enforcement measures must be carried out within the framework of the law and the Constitution.
He warned that groups attempting to enforce immigration laws independently risked undermining public order and fuelling instability across the country.
Security agencies, including the South African Police Service, metro police and private security operators, have been placed on high alert ahead of the planned demonstrations.
According to the President, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure is coordinating security preparations and is fully equipped to respond to any threats.
“Our security forces are ready and those who transgress the measures we are putting in place will meet the might of the law,” Ramaphosa declared.
He also urged political leaders, community organisations and citizens to help maintain peace and discourage violence, expressing confidence that the majority of South Africans reject xenophobia and unlawful conduct.
While acknowledging that illegal immigration remains a significant challenge, Ramaphosa maintained that the government’s response must always be guided by constitutional principles, the rule of law and South Africa’s human rights obligations.
He however added that his government have dismissed the self-imposed deadline as illegal, warning that anyone attempting to enforce it could face criminal prosecution.
