Ramaphosa Warns Against Xenophobic Attacks, Vigilante Immigration Enforcement

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a strong warning against xenophobic attacks and vigilante actions targeting foreign nationals, insisting that only authorised government institutions have the legal authority to enforce immigration laws.

In a nationally televised address on Sunday, Ramaphosa sought to strike a delicate balance between addressing concerns over illegal immigration and preventing violence against migrant communities.

His remarks come amid rising tensions in parts of South Africa where some groups have organised campaigns against undocumented migrants, often leading to harassment, intimidation and disruptions of public services.

The president condemned incidents in which individuals and groups have stopped people on the streets to demand identification documents or proof of nationality. He also criticised attempts to prevent foreigners from accessing schools, hospitals and other essential services.

"Government will take decisive action to address violations of our immigration laws," Ramaphosa said.

"No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality."

"We know South Africans are not xenophobic. Violence, intimidation and exploitation have no place in our country."

Ramaphosa acknowledged widespread public concerns about illegal immigration but warned against exploiting those concerns for political gain or criminal purposes. He announced a new Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management recently approved by Cabinet.

The strategy is expected to tighten border controls, strengthen immigration enforcement, close legal loopholes and improve cooperation with neighbouring countries.

According to the president, the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority and South African Police Service will intensify efforts to identify and deport undocumented migrants.

He revealed that the Border Management Authority intercepted more than 450,000 attempted illegal border crossings in the past year alone.

The government also plans to establish dedicated immigration courts to speed up deportation proceedings and reduce backlogs in the justice system.

Other reforms include relocating refugee reception centres closer to border areas and introducing a new Biometric Intelligent Population Register to replace older identity documentation systems considered vulnerable to abuse.

Ramaphosa further highlighted concerns about labour exploitation, accusing some employers of deliberately hiring undocumented migrants in order to evade labour regulations.

He said vulnerable foreign workers are often subjected to poor working conditions, long hours and wages below legal minimum standards.

"Employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers and exploit their vulnerability are breaking the law," he stated.

The president emphasised that the reforms were not intended to intimidate law-abiding foreign nationals but rather to restore confidence in the country's immigration system while ensuring public safety.

Special envoys are also expected to engage governments across Africa to explain South Africa's policy changes and prevent diplomatic tensions arising from recent unrest.

As concerns over migration continue to shape political debate in South Africa, Ramaphosa's message was clear: immigration enforcement must remain the responsibility of the state, not angry mobs or self-appointed vigilantes.