Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobia and warned against attempts to damage South Africa’s international reputation, amid growing tensions around undocumented nationals.
In a statement, Ramaphosa said South Africa has, since 1994, promoted human rights, African integration and solidarity with the rest of the continent. He stressed that the country remains committed to protecting refugees and displaced persons through policies that allow them to integrate into communities while accessing healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
The President said South Africa will continue enforcing its immigration laws and protecting its borders, but warned that criminality should not be used to justify xenophobia, violence or ethnic mobilisation.
“Like every other country in the world, we will continue asserting our sovereign right to regulate migration, secure our borders and enforce our laws. We must make it clear that there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence,” Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile in Tshwane, posters allegedly distributed by a group calling itself “Concerned Tshwane Residents” have been circulating on social media, calling on residents from communities including Atteridgeville, Soshanguve, Mamelodi, Ga-Rankuwa, Hammanskraal and Laudium to unite for a planned “Tshwane Shutdown.” The posters call for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from alleged hijacked properties and informal businesses, while urging communities to prepare for a mass shutdown in the capital.
Ramaphosa further warned that isolated acts of criminality should not undermine decades of African unity and cooperation, adding that both South Africans and foreign nationals living in the country are expected to respect and uphold the law.
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