South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens planning to participate in Monday’s nationwide protests against undocumented immigration to do so peacefully and within the confines of the law, warning that violence, intimidation and vigilantism will not be tolerated.
In a statement issued on Sunday ahead of the June 30 demonstrations, Ramaphosa acknowledged growing public concerns over illegal immigration, border security, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates and weaknesses in the country’s immigration system.
He said the concerns were legitimate and deserved attention but stressed that constitutional rights must be exercised responsibly.
“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution, but it does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” the president said.
Ramaphosa disclosed that the government was implementing reforms to strengthen border management, improve enforcement against undocumented immigration, overhaul the asylum and visa systems, and tackle corruption that has weakened immigration controls.
He said authorities would hold accountable those responsible for corruption and ensure stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
The president also cautioned against individuals taking the law into their own hands by stopping or demanding identification from suspected undocumented migrants, describing such actions as vigilantism.
He said the painful history of apartheid-era pass laws underscored why immigration enforcement should remain the responsibility of law enforcement agencies operating within the Constitution.
Ramaphosa noted that many foreign nationals residing in South Africa are legally in the country, contributing to the economy through work, business and education, and are entitled to constitutional protection.
He welcomed assurances from some protest organisers that they opposed violence and said they would be held accountable for ensuring peaceful demonstrations.
The president further expressed appreciation for traditional, religious, business, labour and civil society leaders who had called for tolerance and respect for the rule of law.
He assured citizens that security agencies were prepared to maintain law and order during the protests while safeguarding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Ramaphosa urged South Africans to address national challenges through dialogue and lawful means, saying the country must protect both its borders and its constitutional values.