South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised the wave of violence and protests targeting foreign nationals, warning that those behind the unrest are taking advantage of economic frustrations to promote lawlessness.
Speaking in a public address on Monday, May 11, Ramaphosa said the incidents seen in parts of the country do not represent the views of the government or the wider population.
He condemned actions by individuals who have taken it upon themselves to stop, search, or demand identification from others without legal authority, stressing that such conduct is illegal.
“These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism.
“Some of these people are assuming functions that only state officials are permitted to perform. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are,” he said.
While denouncing the violence, the president acknowledged concerns over undocumented migration, noting that the issue must be addressed through proper legal channels.
“In a country with high unemployment, some employers are exploiting undocumented, cheaper foreign labour over hiring citizens and paying them legal wages.
“This is fuelling social tension and undermining labour protection laws,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the government is strengthening border enforcement through the Border Management Authority and has deployed the military to limit illegal crossings.
He revealed that about 450,000 attempted illegal entries were intercepted within the last financial year.
READ ALSO: Xenophobic Tensions: NIDO Africa Issues Safety Advisory To Nigerians In South Africa
The president also confirmed that authorities are intensifying enforcement measures, including the arrest and deportation of undocumented migrants, alongside ongoing reforms to the country’s immigration system.
“We are stepping up workplace enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals in violation of labour and immigration laws,” he said.
He added that up to 10,000 labour inspectors would be deployed to ensure compliance with labour and immigration regulations.
Ramaphosa urged both citizens and foreign nationals to respect the law, warning that offences such as the use of fake documents, bribery, and abuse of public services would not be tolerated.
“Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws,” he said.
“We must make it clear that there is no place for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence.”
The president also defended South Africa’s approach to migration, saying the country remains committed to human rights while managing the pressures associated with immigration.
He noted that South Africa continues to play a key role in regional integration, with millions of visitors from across Africa entering the country annually for business, education, and tourism.
“South Africa continues to play its part in deepening African integration and solidarity,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration among African nations to address migration challenges and appealed for calm as tensions persist.
The remarks come amid renewed anti-foreigner protests and reports of looting and violence in Durban, Cape Town, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.