BY LERATO PHOSISI
President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that government will not tolerate misinformation or street-level “immigration policing” as it intensifies efforts to manage illegal immigration. While acknowledging real public frustration over jobs, services and safety, he said the rule of law not vigilantism — must guide the national response.
Addressing the nation, Ramaphosa said South Africans are right to raise concerns about pressure on public services, unemployment and security. Those frustrations, he noted, are legitimate and deserve policy action. But he cautioned that some groups are exploiting the issue to spread falsehoods and incite division.
“We know that South Africans are not xenophobic,” the President said. “There is no place for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia or any other form of intolerance in the country.”
Ramaphosa singled out social media campaigns for criticism, saying they are being used to spread fake news and lies about foreign nationals. He warned that government will act against anyone seeking to destabilise the country for political, personal or criminal gain.
“We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals,” he said. The President also flagged the rise of tribal and ethnic slurs accompanying anti-foreigner sentiment, saying such attacks are increasingly aimed at South Africans too.
While affirming the state’s right to enforce immigration laws and prevent irregular migration, Ramaphosa stressed that enforcement rests solely with authorities. He rejected attempts by individuals or groups to confront people in public and demand proof of nationality.
“No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality,” he said.
The President reiterated South Africa’s commitment to constitutional rights and international obligations for all people in the country, whether citizens or foreign nationals. He urged communities to work with government through legal channels instead of resorting to intimidation or violence.
On the impact of illegal migration, Ramaphosa said unchecked movement across borders threatens security, stability and economic progress. He noted added strain on healthcare and education, and linked undocumented migration to organised crime syndicates involved in trafficking, extortion, illegal mining, drugs and money laundering.
As new migration management measures are rolled out, Ramaphosa said authorities will not allow the issue to be weaponised to undermine public safety. He called on citizens to uphold the Constitution and the spirit of Ubuntu while the state addresses the challenge.
“South Africa can address the challenge of illegal immigration while remaining true to our constitutional values,” Ramaphosa said. “Let us build a country that is secure, lawful, compassionate and prosperous.
