South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has denounced recent violent protests targeting foreign nationals, labelling perpetrators as opportunists exploiting genuine socio-economic frustrations. In a statement issued Monday, Ramaphosa emphasized that the actions of vigilante groups conducting unlawful searches and identity checks do not reflect the stance of the government or the majority of South Africans. He described such acts as illegal, stating that only state officials have the authority to perform law enforcement duties. "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 said. He added that those engaging in violence or illegal detentions would face consequences regardless of their identity or motives.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing illegal immigration through legal frameworks, citing pressure on public services and job competition as key concerns. He noted that undocumented workers are often exploited by employers seeking cheaper labour, undermining wage standards and fueling tensions. To counter this, the government is enhancing border security via the Border Management Authority and deploying military personnel to prevent illegal crossings. Approximately 450,000 attempted illegal entries were intercepted in the past financial year, according to the president. Immigration enforcement operations are ongoing, including arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants. Ramaphosa also announced plans to deploy up to 10,000 labour inspectors to enforce compliance with employment and immigration laws.
He stressed that all individuals in South Africa, citizens or not, must abide by the law, warning that fake documentation, bribery, and abuse of public services would be prosecuted. "Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws," he said, rejecting xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, and violence. Ramaphosa defended South Africa's migration and refugee policies, affirming the country's adherence to human rights and its role in African integration. He noted that millions from across Africa visit annually for trade, education, and tourism. The comments follow unrest in Durban, Cape Town, East London, and KwaZulu-Natal. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant, avoid confrontations, and follow official updates. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is operational and coordinating with local authorities. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is in contact with her South African counterpart over the matter.
Ramaphosa condemns vigilante violence while simultaneously announcing mass labour inspections and arrests of undocumented migrants, creating a contradictory signal on xenophobia. His administration cracks down on citizens taking law into their own hands, yet expands state-led operations that target foreign nationals using similar profiling logic. Nigerian business owners in South Africa, already advised to stay alert, now face heightened scrutiny under these enforcement measures. The situation leaves them vulnerable regardless of whether the threat comes from mobs or state agents.
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