South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobia, vigilantism, and the harassment of foreign nationals.
In a televised national address on Sunday, Ramaphosa said only authorised law enforcement agencies have the right to enforce immigration laws.
Ramaphosa sought to balance public concerns over illegal immigration with a strong defence of constitutional values, human dignity, and the rule of law amid recent anti-foreigner protests that have strained relations with several African countries.
The president said violence, intimidation, unauthorised demands for documentation, and blocking access to public services such as clinics, hospitals, and schools have no place in South Africa.
“Government will accordingly take action to address the expectations of our people in dealing with the challenge of the violations of our immigration laws,” he said.
“I must make it clear that only the authorised government officials may act against violations of the law, including violation of our immigration laws.
“No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality.
“We know that South Africans are not xenophobic as there is no space for xenophobia, for racism, for sexism, for Afrophobia or any other form of intolerance in South Africa.”
He warned against groups exploiting legitimate grievances about illegal immigration to incite lawlessness and violence for political, personal, or criminal ends.
Ramaphosa said all people in the country, regardless of nationality or immigration status, must be treated with dignity and respect.
He singled out employers who exploit undocumented workers as part of the problem that government will not tolerate.
“Some employers hire undocumented immigrants because they pay them wages that are well below the minimum wage and make them work longer hours without due compensation,” he said.
“We have uncovered a number of workplaces where undocumented migrants are made to labour under very bad conditions.
“Employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers and exploit their vulnerability are breaking the law.
“They undermine labour standards. They undermine fair competition. And they undermine opportunities for South Africans. Such conduct will attract far stronger penalties and far stricter enforcement.”
Comprehensive Migration Plan Approved
The president announced the adoption of a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, approved by cabinet last week and endorsed by the president’s coordinating council.
The strategy rests on five key pillars: cracking down on violations of immigration and labour laws; preventing illegal entry; rooting out corruption in the immigration system; strengthening laws and policies; and enhancing regional and continental cooperation.
Key measures include intensified operations by the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority (BMA), and South African Police Service to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals.
Ramaphosa relayed that the BMA intercepted over 450,000 people attempting illegal entry in the past year alone.
He said the government plans to establish dedicated immigration courts to fast-track deportations, relocate refugee reception centres to border posts (starting with Tshwane later this year), and introduce technology-driven reforms, including a Biometric Intelligent Population Register and a shift from vulnerable green ID books.
New regulations from the Department of Transport will also tighten vehicle registration requirements.
On border security, Ramaphosa said secure borders are essential for a sovereign state and not a sign of hostility.
“We want a South Africa where every person who enters the country does so lawfully; a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced; a South Africa where businesses compete fairly; a South Africa where communities feel safe and secure,” he stated.
He acknowledged weaknesses in existing immigration laws, describing them as fragmented and prone to exploitation, pledging to close loopholes.
On the diplomatic front, special envoys will be dispatched to African countries to explain the measures and manage fallout from the unrest.
