Date: June 29, 2026 l Reporter: Kingston Nwosu
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed for calm ahead of nationwide anti-immigration protests scheduled for June 30, warning that violence, intimidation, and vigilantism will not be tolerated despite growing public frustration over illegal immigration.
In his weekly address to the nation, Ramaphosa acknowledged that many South Africans have expressed legitimate concerns about undocumented immigration, border security, pressure on public services, organised crime, and weaknesses within the country's immigration system. However, he stressed that such concerns must be addressed through constitutional and lawful means rather than through acts of violence or unlawful enforcement by private citizens.
"South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities," the president said.
While affirming that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, Ramaphosa warned that this right does not extend to threatening, attacking, or intimidating foreign nationals.
"The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence," he said, adding that South Africa's democracy is founded on the rule of law rather than coercion or mob justice.
The president said his administration has already recognised the need for significant reforms to the country's immigration system. According to him, government is strengthening border management, tightening enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of asylum and visa processes, and tackling corruption that has weakened immigration controls.
He also pledged that officials who facilitate illegal immigration through corrupt practices would be held accountable, while enforcement agencies would improve their response where shortcomings have been identified.
Ramaphosa disclosed that government has consulted traditional leaders, Khoi-San representatives, labour unions, business organisations, religious groups, and other stakeholders as part of efforts to develop a more effective immigration policy while maintaining social stability.
In one of the strongest sections of his address, the president condemned attempts by individuals or groups to enforce immigration laws themselves, describing such actions as unlawful vigilantism. He warned against a return to apartheid-era practices in which people were stopped in public and forced to prove their identity.
"The authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law-enforcement officers acting within the Constitution, not to private individuals," he said.
"Whatever the motivation, taking the law into one's own hands is vigilantism and has no place in our constitutional democracy."
Ramaphosa also defended the rights of legally resident foreign nationals, noting that many contribute positively to South Africa's economy and society through work, business, education, and investment. He stressed that all persons lawfully residing in the country are entitled to equal protection under the Constitution.
The president welcomed assurances from some protest organisers that demonstrations would remain peaceful but warned that organisers would be expected to honour those commitments. He made clear that anyone involved in criminal acts during the protests would face the full force of the law.
"Our country's law-enforcement authorities stand ready in defence of the rule of law," Ramaphosa said, urging South Africans to choose dialogue over confrontation and justice over vengeance.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions over immigration in South Africa, where recent weeks have seen isolated attacks on foreign-owned businesses and growing fears of xenophobic violence. Authorities have deployed additional police and security personnel ahead of the June 30 demonstrations to prevent unrest and protect lives and property.
Political analysts say Ramaphosa's message reflects the government's effort to balance public concerns over illegal immigration with its constitutional obligation to uphold human rights and maintain public order. As thousands prepare to participate in the demonstrations, security agencies remain on high alert to ensure that lawful protest does not descend into violence.