South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on groups fueling xenophobic violence, warning that authorities will not allow anti-immigrant protests to descend into lawlessness as attacks against foreign nationals spread across parts of the country.
In a televised national address on Sunday, Ramaphosa said the government would act against individuals and organisations exploiting public concerns over illegal immigration to advance political, personal or criminal agendas. He stressed that enforcing immigration laws remains the sole responsibility of the state and cautioned citizens against taking matters into their own hands.
The remarks come after weeks of anti-immigrant demonstrations and sporadic violence that have prompted several African countries to begin repatriating their citizens from South Africa. Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique have all assisted nationals seeking to return home amid growing security concerns.
Mozambique has reported that five of its citizens were killed in attacks linked to the unrest, while hundreds of migrants have fled their homes in coastal towns across the Western Cape province. Some sought refuge in community centers and temporary shelters, while others crossed back into neighboring countries.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry said more than 1,094 Nigerians have registered for voluntary repatriation from South Africa, a sharp increase from earlier figures, underscoring the scale of anxiety among migrant communities. Authorities from both countries are conducting a joint screening process for those seeking assistance.
Xenophobic violence has periodically flared in South Africa for more than a decade, fueled by frustration over unemployment, crime and weak economic growth. Foreign nationals are frequently accused of taking jobs and placing pressure on public services, though migrant advocacy groups and researchers have long challenged those claims.
Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns about illegal immigration but said migrants are often blamed for problems rooted in poverty, inequality and persistently high unemployment. He said the government is pursuing stricter immigration enforcement, legislative reforms and closer cooperation with neighboring countries to address the underlying causes of migration.
The administration is also considering specialised immigration courts and the accelerated rollout of biometric identity documents to strengthen border management and improve oversight of legal migration.
The latest unrest has drawn criticism from governments across the continent and threatens to strain South Africa’s diplomatic relations at a time when Pretoria is seeking to reinforce its leadership role in African affairs. Earlier this week, Ramaphosa announced plans to dispatch envoys across Africa and beyond to reassure governments and help contain the diplomatic fallout from the attacks.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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