South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned unlawful actions, violence, intimidation, xenophobia and the spread of misinformation, stressing that such conduct has no place in South Africa.
In a statement addressing issues surrounding migration and public order, Ramaphosa reiterated that only authorised law enforcement agencies have the mandate to enforce the law and respond to violations, emphasizing that all individuals must be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background.
The President reaffirmed that the South African government’s approach to migration is firmly guided by the country’s Constitution, the rule of law and respect for human dignity.
According to him, while every person residing in South Africa is expected to comply with the nation’s laws, the rights and freedoms of all individuals living in the country must also be protected.
Ramaphosa stressed that government remains committed to ensuring that migration-related issues are addressed within the framework of the law, rather than through acts of vigilantism, discrimination or violence.
The President also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the underlying causes of migration across the African continent.
He noted that South Africa would continue to engage with fellow African nations and regional bodies to tackle factors driving migration, including conflict, political instability and economic hardship.
Ramaphosa said sustainable and long-term solutions to migration challenges require collective action through regional and continental platforms, adding that South Africa remains committed to working with its African partners to promote peace, stability and economic development across the continent.
The remarks come amid heightened discussions around migration and concerns over xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa, where authorities have repeatedly called for calm and adherence to the rule of law.
