South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected attempts by anti-immigration groups to impose a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, insisting that immigration must be managed through the rule of law rather than intimidation or unlawful action.
The president’s remarks come amid growing tensions over illegal immigration, with groups such as Operation Dudula and the March and March movement calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa and threatening nationwide protests should their demands not be met.
Addressing the issue, Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns over illegal immigration but maintained that his administration was already implementing measures to strengthen the country’s immigration system. He said government reforms include tightening border security, improving visa and asylum processes, intensifying enforcement against undocumented migration and addressing corruption that has undermined immigration controls.
He stressed that while individuals found to have violated South Africa’s immigration laws would be dealt with in accordance with the law, no group or individual had the authority to issue ultimatums or take the law into their own hands.
Ramaphosa warned that any acts of intimidation, violence or unlawful conduct directed at foreign nationals would not be tolerated, adding that security agencies had been instructed to ensure law and order and hold offenders accountable.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically been targeted during outbreaks of violence linked to unemployment, crime and economic hardship. Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Malawians, Ghanaians and other African nationals have frequently been among those affected by such incidents.
Reports indicate that fears of renewed attacks have prompted some migrants to seek refuge near diplomatic missions, while others have chosen to return voluntarily to their home countries as the June 30 deadline announced by anti-migrant groups approaches.
The South African government has repeatedly maintained that immigration challenges should be addressed through lawful processes, while also reaffirming its commitment to strengthening border management and enforcing the country’s immigration laws without resorting to vigilantism or xenophobic violence.
