'Lawlessness Will Not Be Tolerated': SA President on Anti-Migrant Sentiment
21:06 11.05.2026 (Updated: 22:17 11.05.2026)
© Photo Presidency of South Africa
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"The recent violent protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals" exploit legitimate grievances "under the false guise of 'community activism'" and do not reflect government policy, Cyril Ramaphosa said in an official statement.
Key points from the president's message:
🟠Undocumented migration strains healthcare, housing, and municipal services, distorts the labor market, and fuels exploitation of cheaper foreign labor over citizens;
🟠The Border Management Authority intercepted some 450,000 illegal entries in the past financial year, while the government is hiring up to 10,000 labor inspectors to enforce immigration laws;
🟠Citizens colluding with undocumented foreigners—through fake marriages, illegal sale of state‑subsidised housing, or bribes—only deepen the migration problem.
🟠SA has a strong refugee protection framework—no camps, access to communities, economy, healthcare, education—and rejects that isolated crimes undermine African solidarity;
🟠In SA there is no place "for xenophobia, ethnic mobilization, intolerance or violence."
"Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws, and we are committed to ensuring that they are respected and upheld by citizens and foreign nationals alike," the president added.
Key points from the president's message:
🟠Undocumented migration strains healthcare, housing, and municipal services, distorts the labor market, and fuels exploitation of cheaper foreign labor over citizens;
🟠The Border Management Authority intercepted some 450,000 illegal entries in the past financial year, while the government is hiring up to 10,000 labor inspectors to enforce immigration laws;
🟠Citizens colluding with undocumented foreigners—through fake marriages, illegal sale of state‑subsidised housing, or bribes—only deepen the migration problem.
🟠SA has a strong refugee protection framework—no camps, access to communities, economy, healthcare, education—and rejects that isolated crimes undermine African solidarity;
🟠In SA there is no place "for xenophobia, ethnic mobilization, intolerance or violence."
"Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws, and we are committed to ensuring that they are respected and upheld by citizens and foreign nationals alike," the president added.
