South Africa is facing escalating tensions surrounding immigration, with President Cyril Ramaphosa issuing stern warnings against the vigilantism and the xenophobia as a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups approaches.
The situation which has prompted several African nations to repatriate their citizens, drawing international attention and criticism.
The President, addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Thursday, reiterated that the enforcement of immigration laws is solely the responsibility of the state.
He firmly condemned any attempts to destabilize the country or for individuals to take the law into their own hands, stating, “no individual may stop any person to demand documentation or proof of identity or nationality”.
The President emphasized South Africa’s commitment to human rights, declaring, “There is no place for sexism, for xenophobia, for Afrophobia, or any other form of intolerance”.
The President’s remarks come amidst a heated public debate on illegal immigration and calls from certain groups for more stringent actions against undocumented foreign nationals.
These anti-immigrant groups have issued ultimatum for undocumented migrants to leave the country by June 30, a demand that lacks legal basis.
Protesters often cite high unemployment rates, public service failures, and crime as reasons for their grievances, often blaming migrants without conclusive evidence.
In response to the looming deadline and potential unrest, the South African government has implemented heightened security measures.
President Ramaphosa confirmed that
security agencies are on high alert, prepared to respond to any threats to public order.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is working in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, including metro and private security, to ensure stability during planned demonstrations on June 30.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga also indicated that the military would secure strategic sites and assist police if necessary.
The escalating situation has triggered significant international reactions, particularly from other African countries.
Several nations have initiated repatriation efforts for their citizens residing in South Africa. Nigeria planning to evacuate about 2,000 to 4,000 of its nationals while some second batch of this repatriation just landed.
Mozambique has already bused out about 545 citizens and is prepared to evacuate more, following reports of xenophobic attacks in areas like Mossel Bay, which tragically resulted in deaths of seven Mozambicans, though South African police confirmed only two.
Ghana has also arranged charter flights, repatriating nearly 300 Ghanaians, with
plans for further evacuations. Malawi has announced its intention to assist its citizens in leaving South Africa.