South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against escalating xenophobic violence in the country, pledging firm government action against groups responsible for attacks on foreign nationals and anti-immigrant mobilisation.
In a national address, Ramaphosa condemned the recent wave of hostility targeting migrants, stressing that only authorised state agencies have the legal authority to enforce immigration laws, and that vigilante actions will not be tolerated.
He noted that growing public frustration over issues such as unemployment, pressure on social services, and illegal immigration is being exploited by groups inciting violence and division. However, he insisted that such grievances must be addressed through lawful and democratic channels, rather than attacks on migrants or communities.
The President also warned that misinformation and coordinated mobilisation through social media are worsening tensions, vowing that government will identify and take action against those fuelling xenophobic violence.
Reports indicate that several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, and Mozambique, have begun repatriating citizens affected by the unrest, while Mozambique has reported fatalities linked to recent attacks.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed that xenophobia has no place in South Africa, emphasising the need for national unity, lawful immigration enforcement, and stronger regional cooperation to address migration challenges.
