Ramaphosa condemns xenophobia, unveils tougher immigration crackdown in South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobia, vigilantism and the harassment of foreign nationals, warning that only authorised law enforcement agencies are empowered to enforce immigration laws in the country.

In a televised national address on Sunday, Ramaphosa said recent incidents of violence and intimidation targeting foreign nationals were unacceptable and inconsistent with South Africa’s constitutional values.

He stressed that no individual or group has the right to demand documentation from people in public spaces or to block access to essential services such as hospitals, clinics and schools.

“Only the authorised government officials may act against violations of the law, including violation of our immigration laws,” he said, adding that South Africans are not inherently xenophobic and that there is no place for racism, Afrophobia or intolerance in the country.

While acknowledging public concerns over illegal immigration, the president warned against groups exploiting the issue to incite violence or lawlessness, insisting that all residents must be treated with dignity regardless of nationality or legal status.

Ramaphosa also criticised employers who exploit undocumented migrants, saying such practices undermine labour standards, fair competition and opportunities for South African citizens, and would attract stricter enforcement and heavier penalties.

He announced that cabinet had approved a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, aimed at strengthening border control, tightening immigration enforcement and addressing corruption within the system.

The plan includes intensified operations by the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority and the South African Police Service to identify and deport undocumented migrants, as well as the introduction of dedicated immigration courts to speed up deportation cases.

He disclosed that border authorities intercepted more than 450,000 people attempting illegal entry within the past year, underscoring the scale of migration pressures facing the country.

Other measures include relocating refugee reception centres closer to border posts, introducing biometric population tracking systems, and phasing out vulnerable identity documents in favour of more secure digital alternatives.

Ramaphosa also said special envoys would be sent to neighbouring African countries to manage diplomatic concerns arising from the new enforcement strategy and recent unrest linked to anti-immigrant sentiments.

He maintained that secure borders are essential for national sovereignty but insisted that enforcement must remain lawful, humane and consistent with international obligations.