South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a decisive crackdown on groups fueling xenophobic attacks, as anti-immigrant unrest continues to tarnish the nation’s international image.
In recent weeks, protests targeting foreign nationals have escalated in some areas, prompting countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, and Mozambique to repatriate citizens caught in the disturbances. Mozambique reported that five of its nationals lost their lives amid the violence.
Speaking in a televised address, Ramaphosa condemned the exploitation of public concerns about illegal immigration for political, personal, or criminal gain. “We will not allow anyone to manipulate legitimate concerns to incite lawlessness and destabilize South Africa,” he said.
The President urged citizens to refrain from taking matters into their own hands by stopping individuals on the streets to verify their identities. He emphasized that immigration enforcement remains the sole responsibility of the state.
Xenophobic incidents have long plagued South Africa, where migrants are often scapegoated for unemployment and rising crime rates. Critics argue that such narratives are misleading and sometimes politically motivated. Ramaphosa stressed that economic challenges stem from poverty and high unemployment, not foreign nationals.
The government outlined measures to address migration concerns, including stronger enforcement of existing laws, legislative reforms, and collaboration with neighboring countries to tackle the root causes of illegal immigration. Plans also include establishing dedicated immigration courts for faster case resolution and replacing the traditional “green book” identity documents with secure biometric digital IDs.
In response to the attacks on its citizens, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa stated that Accra has petitioned the African Union regarding the treatment of Ghanaians in South Africa. The Ghanaian government is also compiling a list of property losses suffered by its nationals for potential future legal action.
