President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against xenophobia while outlining plans to strengthen border security and workplace inspections
Image: Zwelethemba Kostile / Parliament of RSA
President Cyril Ramaphosa says illegal immigration puts pressure on public services and undermines efforts to create decent work for all, however, he said the government is cracking down on violations of immigration laws.
Ramaphosa made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon during the Presidency's Budget Vote in Parliament.
His comments come amid ongoing protests targeting illegal foreigners in the country.
There has been growing anti-illegal immigration protest activity across parts of South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Many migrants have travelled to South Africa in search of better opportunities.
However, conditions have become increasingly difficult and, in some cases, frightening, prompting fears for their safety.
Ramaphosa said the government was working to address the issue of immigration.
“As we work to build a safer, more stable and more prosperous society, we do need to address the challenge of migration.”
“When it is well managed and regulated, migration can help to drive economic growth and opportunity for all. However, we need to deal with illegal migration.”
He said illegal immigration placed a strain on the government's efforts.
“We have seen how illegal immigration into our country can put pressure on our public services and undermine our efforts to create decent work for all.”
“As announced in the State of the Nation Address, the government is taking decisive action to address this challenge. We are cracking down on violations of immigration laws.”
He said the government was increasing inspections of workplaces and prosecuting employers who violate labour laws.
“We are strengthening border security, stamping out corruption in the immigration system and closing the loopholes in fragmented immigration laws.”
“We must be clear, however, that every person in South Africa, whether they are citizens or foreign nationals, must respect our laws.”
He called on immigrants to respect the country's laws.
“They must also respect the rights of every person in our country and our laws must be upheld. They must never give in to violence, to xenophobia and to vigilantism.”
“As a society, we must stand against all forms of disinformation, of incitement, of false information being spread around, of racism and ethnic mobilisation.”
“We will continue to strengthen and enforce our laws while upholding the Constitution of the Republic and also respecting the human dignity of all. This will enable us to deal with illegal immigration without turning against one another,” he said.
His remarks come as tensions over illegal immigration continue to rise in South Africa, with nationwide demonstrations expected on June 30, 2026.
The anti-migrant group March and March, which has led protests against undocumented foreign nationals across the country, has threatened a national shutdown on June 30 if the government fails to respond to its demands.
The group is calling for stricter visa regulations, a review of asylum policies, action against businesses employing undocumented migrants, accountability for corrupt police officers and restrictions on public services for undocumented migrants.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics