CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The South African president delivered a national television address Sunday, vowing to take action on immigration concerns as anti-foreigner demonstrations and sentiment escalate throughout the continent’s most developed economy. Several neighboring countries have reported that their nationals are being subjected to xenophobic violence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s televised remarks represented a recognition of the growing discord. Organizations opposing immigration have established a June 30 ultimatum for undocumented foreign nationals to depart South Africa and have sought discussions with government officials.
The nation has experienced previous episodes of migrant-related violence, notably in 2008 when xenophobic assaults on foreigners resulted in over 60 deaths, according to international human rights organizations.
Organizations demanding stricter immigration enforcement have attracted public attention through recent demonstration campaigns. These groups contend that undocumented foreign residents worsen the country’s severe joblessness crisis and add strain to overwhelmed healthcare and educational systems.
“Many South Africans are raising difficult but legitimate questions,” Ramaphosa said. “These concerns are real. They deserve to be heard, and they deserve to be addressed.”
However, Ramaphosa emphasized that officials would not permit vigilante justice or self-help remedies.
“Only authorized government officials can act against violations of our law,” Ramaphosa added, warning that some groups were “inciting” tensions.
No official statistics exist regarding undocumented migrants in South Africa, although various assessments suggest between 2 million and 5 million people among the nation’s 62 million residents lack proper documentation.
Being the wealthiest nation in the area, South Africa has historically drawn migrants from nearby countries including Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho, along with others from Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and Ethiopia. This migration pattern spans several decades.
Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Mozambique have recently reported that their nationals encounter intimidation and violence in South Africa due to their foreign status. Ghana brought approximately 300 citizens home from South Africa last month and indicated additional repatriations would be available due to reported threats.
Mozambique’s leadership announced this week that five nationals died in what officials described as xenophobic violence in Mossel Bay, a coastal town in southern South Africa.
South Africa’s coalition administration has emphasized immigration issues since forming in 2024 and reports removing over 100,000 undocumented individuals during the past two years. Ramaphosa stated Sunday that approximately 450,000 people attempting to enter South Africa without proper documentation were turned away at border crossings within the last year.
Ramaphosa acknowledged previous “weaknesses” in South Africa’s migration management and pledged “decisive” government response, while urging citizens to avoid turning against one another over immigration matters.
