Keypoints:
- Ramaphosa says xenophobia has no place in South Africa
- Nigeria plans emergency repatriation for 130 citizens
- Anti-migrant protests intensify ahead of local elections
SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned a growing wave of anti-migrant protests and violence targeting foreign nationals, warning that ‘opportunists’ were exploiting economic frustrations to fuel unrest.
Ramaphosa made the remarks in a public letter released by the presidency on Monday as concern mounted across Africa over reports of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant demonstrations in parts of South Africa.
‘We must make it clear that there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence,’ the president said.
The comments came amid mounting regional concern following demonstrations in several South African cities, including Durban, where protesters last week demanded stronger action against undocumented migrants.
Nigeria and Ghana demand answers
The unrest has sparked diplomatic concern in Nigeria and Ghana, whose citizens are among the many foreign nationals living and working in South Africa.
Nigeria said it would organise emergency repatriation flights for around 130 nationals amid fears over their safety. Abuja also summoned South Africa’s envoy and demanded investigations into the deaths of two Nigerians allegedly linked to incidents involving South African security personnel last month.
Ghana similarly summoned South Africa’s ambassador to protest against xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants. Africa Briefing previously reported on Ghana’s diplomatic protest over the attacks.
The diplomatic fallout has increased pressure on Pretoria to contain the unrest before it damages regional relations further. Africa Briefing also reported on Ghana’s push for African Union action over xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Ramaphosa blames ‘opportunists’
Ramaphosa argued that the unrest did not reflect official government policy or the attitudes of most South Africans.
‘The recent violent protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals in parts of our country do not represent the views of South Africa’s people nor reflect our government’s policy,’ he wrote.
He accused some groups of exploiting frustrations over poverty, unemployment and failing public services under the guise of community activism.
‘These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of community activism,’ Ramaphosa added.
South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of anti-foreigner sentiment over the years, often linked to economic inequality, job scarcity and pressure on public infrastructure.
Immigration tensions dominate politics
Political tensions are intensifying ahead of local elections scheduled for November, with immigration becoming an increasingly divisive campaign issue.
Several recent demonstrations have called for undocumented migrants to be deported, while others have demanded restrictions on foreign nationals accessing healthcare and other public services.
Ramaphosa acknowledged public frustrations over illegal immigration, saying undocumented migration placed additional strain on housing, healthcare and municipal systems, particularly in poorer communities.
‘Undocumented migration places strain on healthcare, housing and municipal services, particularly in poor communities,’ he said.
The president also criticised some employers for allegedly exploiting undocumented migrants by paying lower wages instead of hiring South African citizens under legal employment conditions.
Ramaphosa said the government would address illegal immigration ‘decisively’ and ‘within the law’, while maintaining constitutional protections and avoiding discrimination against legally documented foreign nationals.
Xenophobia threatens regional relations
The latest unrest risks reigniting broader tensions between South Africa and other African countries over the treatment of migrants and foreign workers.
South Africa hosts one of Africa’s largest migrant populations, with many people drawn by the country’s comparatively advanced economy and employment opportunities.
However, recurring xenophobic violence has repeatedly strained diplomatic relations and damaged the country’s regional image.
Analysts say Pretoria now faces the difficult task of balancing domestic political pressure over jobs and services with the need to reassure neighbouring countries and prevent further violence.
The controversy is expected to remain a major political issue as campaigning intensifies ahead of November’s local elections.
