Ramaphosa Condemns Anti-foreigner Attacks In South Africa , Blames Opportunists Exploiting Hardship

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned recent violent protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country, describing those behind the unrest as “opportunists” exploiting legitimate socio-economic grievances.

In a public address issued on Monday, Ramaphosa said the violent acts recorded in some communities do not reflect the position of the government or the majority of South Africans.

He stressed that individuals stopping people, conducting searches, or checking identities without legal authority were acting unlawfully.

“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.

“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.”

The president, however, maintained that South Africa must continue to address illegal immigration in a lawful and structured manner, warning that undocumented migration puts pressure on public services and worsens unemployment.

“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 added.

Ramaphosa noted that the government is strengthening border security through the Border Management Authority and deploying the military to curb illegal crossings, revealing that about 450,000 attempted illegal entries were intercepted in the past financial year.

He also confirmed ongoing immigration enforcement actions, including arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants, alongside reforms to the migration system.

“We are stepping up workplace enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals in violation of labour and immigration laws,” he said, adding that up to 10,000 labour inspectors would be deployed to improve compliance.

The president urged both citizens and foreign nationals to obey the law, warning that illegal activities such as fake documentation, bribery, or exploitation of public services would be prosecuted.

“Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws. We must make it clear that there is no place for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence,” he said.

Ramaphosa also defended the country’s refugee and migration framework, noting that South Africa continues to uphold human rights while managing immigration pressures and remains committed to African integration.

The remarks come amid renewed anti-foreigner protests and reported incidents of looting and violence in Durban, Cape Town, East London, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerians in South Africa to avoid confrontations, stay alert, and monitor official updates as authorities manage the situation.

The commission urged Nigerian business owners to take precautionary measures, noting that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is working with South African authorities to ensure citizens’ safety.

It also disclosed that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging her South African counterpart over the situation.