Ramaphosa Blames ‘Opportunists’ for Anti-Migrant Violence, Vows Lawful Action
JOHANNESBURG — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned a wave of anti-migrant protests and attacks, blaming “opportunists” for exploiting economic frustrations and warning that violence will not be tolerated.
In an open letter released on Monday, Ramaphosa said recent xenophobic acts do not reflect the views of most South Africans nor the country’s official policy.
“These are the actions of a few opportunists who seek to sow division,” the president wrote, acknowledging that many citizens face genuine economic hardships but rejecting vigilantism as a solution.
Ramaphosa conceded that public frustration over “illegal immigration” is real, noting that undocumented migrants place strain on healthcare, housing, and other local services. He also accused some employers of exploiting cheaper foreign labour to undercut South African workers.
However, he stressed that these issues must be addressed lawfully, without intimidation or violence. The government, he said, would pursue legal measures to manage immigration and protect the rights of all people in South Africa.
Recent weeks have seen sporadic protests and attacks targeting foreign-owned shops and migrants, mostly from other African countries. Rights groups have called for stronger action to prevent a repeat of the deadly xenophobic outbreaks that rocked the country in previous years.
Ramaphosa’s letter reaffirmed that the constitution guarantees equal protection to everyone on South African soil, regardless of their immigration status.
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