Cyril Ramaphosa warned citizens not to target foreign nationals. He stressed that vigilante actions will not be tolerated.
He delivered this message during the 2026 Freedom Day event in Bloemfontein. He urged citizens to avoid turning migration concerns into violence. He also called for unity and restraint.
“We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans,” he said.
“We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia directed towards people from other African countries or any other parts of the world.”
Government Steps Up Immigration Enforcement
Ramaphosa explained that the government is tightening immigration controls. He said authorities are acting against illegal migration and corruption.
He added that businesses hiring undocumented workers will face consequences.
“That is why we are clamping down on illegal migration and on businesses that flout our laws by hiring undocumented persons at the expense of our citizens,” he said.
“We are actively rooting out corruption in our immigration system.”
He emphasised that only law enforcement agencies must handle offenders. Therefore, citizens must not replace the state.
“We will not allow people to take the law into their own hands,” Ramaphosa said.
Africa’s Solidarity and Rising Tensions
Ramaphosa highlighted Africa’s support during the anti-apartheid struggle. He reminded citizens of the continent’s shared history.
“We did not walk alone into freedom. We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others,” he said.
“These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves.”
He urged South Africans to honour that legacy. He warned against hostility towards fellow Africans.
“It cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, attacks on foreigners have increased in Durban, Cape Town, and East London. These incidents raised concerns in Ghana and Nigeria. Both countries reportedly lodged complaints.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed the country’s commitment to constitutional values. He also stressed the importance of ubuntu and mutual respect.
“We extend hospitality to those who are guests in our country, with the expectation that generosity is honoured with respect for our society and its laws,” Ramaphosa said.
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