President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for calm and adherence to the rule of law ahead of planned protests against undocumented immigration scheduled for 30 June, warning against violence, intimidation and vigilantism.
In a statement addressed to the nation on Monday, Ramaphosa said South Africans have legitimate concerns about illegal immigration, border management and pressure on public services, noting that such issues “are real and they deserve to be heard.”
He, however, stressed that the constitutional right to protest must be exercised peacefully.
“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,” he said.
The President cautioned that grievances must be addressed through lawful democratic processes and not through ultimatums or intimidation.
“The exercise of rights in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by intimidation or threats. It must be determined through democratic institutions, evidence and the rule of law,” he added.
Ramaphosa said government is already undertaking reforms to strengthen immigration systems, including border management and enforcement against undocumented migration.
He noted that authorities are also targeting corruption within immigration processes, saying, “Where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable.”
While acknowledging planned demonstrations, the President urged organisers and participants to ensure the protests remain peaceful.
“Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others,” he said.
Ramaphosa also warned against vigilantism, referencing South Africa’s historical experience with discriminatory pass laws.
“Taking the law into one’s own hands is vigilantism and has no place in our constitutional democracy,” he said, adding that such actions would amount to a “betrayal of the constitutional order.”
He further emphasised that foreign nationals living legally in South Africa are entitled to protection under the law.
The President said law enforcement agencies are prepared to maintain order during the planned demonstrations and urged South Africans to choose dialogue over confrontation.
This comes after Uganda announced that it will begin the repatriation of its nationals from South Africa following rising xenophobic tensions and threats targeting foreign communities.
Ugandan authorities said hundreds of citizens have already registered for evacuation flights, as concerns grow over safety amid reports of escalating anti-migrant violence in parts of the country.
Anti-migrant groups issued an ultimatum for all undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by June 30.
The protest organizers claim undocumented immigrants are responsible for high unemployment, crime, and overwhelmed public services, demanding they self-deport before or by the deadline.
