President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended South Africa against accusations of xenophobia, saying concerns over immigration reflect global pressures rather than hostility towards foreign nationals.
Image: File / ActionSA
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed back against claims by some African countries that South Africa is xenophobic, calling such characterisations “lazy” amid ongoing protests against undocumented foreign nationals.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya made the remarks during a media briefing on Wednesday afternoon in Cape Town.
The comments come amid growing concern about rising anti-migrant rhetoric in South Africa.
Anti-migrant sentiment has gained political traction in recent years, with some claiming that foreign nationals are taking jobs and unfairly benefiting from public services.
Previous protests linked to immigration have at times escalated into violence.
Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa, occasionally erupting into deadly incidents.
Last week, the controversial anti-migrant movement March and March protested at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature over alleged crimes involving undocumented foreign nationals and unauthorised religious leaders.
Participants included members of March and March, Operation Dudula, ActionSA, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the MK Party.
The groups accuse the government of failing to act decisively against undocumented migration.
They are calling for tighter immigration controls, stricter visa regulations, a review of asylum policies, action against businesses employing undocumented foreign nationals, accountability for corrupt police officers, and limits on services for undocumented migrants.
On Wednesday, March and March continued its protests in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, targeting undocumented foreign nationals.
Magwenya confirmed that Ramaphosa had discussed immigration with Mozambique President Daniel Chapo during a meeting at his official residence, Genadendal, in Cape Town.
Chapo’s visit was aimed at strengthening political cooperation at bilateral, regional, continental, and global levels.
“The matter was discussed yesterday between President Chapo and President Ramaphosa, and they both agreed that, number one, South Africa is not xenophobic. South Africans are not xenophobic.
“Once you have pockets of protest, which is permissible within our constitutional framework, you also have the reality that the issue of immigration is a pressure point, not only here in South Africa, but throughout the world where protests are held on these issues,” Magwenya said.
He said it was important to respect the rights of everyone within the country’s borders and to ensure protests remain peaceful.
“In this regard, the President expects law enforcement to also play its role to prevent any acts of violence against any individual.
“Yesterday, both President Chapo and President Ramaphosa also agreed that the continent needs to work together to address the issues that are behind these levels of migration that we see across our continent.”
Magwenya said factors such as conflict, instability and, in some cases, misgovernance were driving migration.
“The condemnations that we've had coming from the different quarters on the continent should not just end in condemnations, but there should also be willingness to constructively engage on what are these issues and factors behind people seeking to leave their countries of birth and seeking refuge elsewhere.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed back against criticism from African countries, rejecting claims of xenophobia while acknowledging rising tensions over undocumented migration.
Image: RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP
He said the two presidents agreed on the need for open and frank discussions across the continent.
“But the President did emphasise that South Africa is a welcoming country. South Africans are open, friendly, and warm people. And we will reject any notion that seeks to characterize this country or its people as being xenophobic.”
Magwenya added that Ramaphosa had rejected criticism from countries labelling South Africa as xenophobic.
“In fact, any characterization of this protest that seeks to portray South Africans as xenophobic is actually a lazy sort of analysis of the real issues that I play here.
“There are genuine concerns that communities have with respect to crime.”
He said crimes committed by foreign nationals should be addressed by law enforcement without fear or favour.
“Crimes that are committed by foreign nationals, where the President expects law enforcement, again, to act without any fear or favor, and also to say to those who are visitors in our country, they must respect and conform with our laws. If they break the law, they will face the full might of the law, like all of us are expected to respect the law.”
The remarks follow concerns raised by several African countries over protests targeting foreign nationals and alleged xenophobia in South Africa.
Nigeria said it had engaged South African officials regarding the safety of its citizens following reports of attacks and deaths.
It also warned its citizens to exercise caution and has announced that it will facilitate voluntary repatriation for more than 100 people.
Ghana has formally complained about the alleged mistreatment of its citizens and has called for better protection of migrant communities.
Meanwhile, the Police Ministry has issued a stern warning that authorities will act decisively against violence targeting foreign nationals.
Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi told IOL News last week that the ministry condemns acts of violence and intimidation.
“The Ministry of Police has on numerous occasions condemned acts of violence and intimidation directed at foreign nationals within the Republic of South Africa as these actions are unlawful and are in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded,” she said.
“The Ministry has advised that the South African Police Service will act decisively and without hesitation in addressing incidents of violence against foreign nationals.
“The Ministry of Police has called on all community leaders, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to work together with law enforcement agencies to prevent further violence and to promote dialogue and understanding,” she said.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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