Protesters in Kwa-Thema township have rejected President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent address concerning illegal migration and anti-foreigner sentiments. The protestors demand immediate government action, asserting that undocumented foreign nationals must leave South Africa by June 30.
In his address on June 7, 2026, President Ramaphosa acknowledged public apprehensions towards illegal immigration and reiterated the government’s commitment to combating xenophobic violence. He stated, “We will act against forces who are exploiting the concerns of our people about illegal immigration to further their own political, personal and criminal agendas,” emphasising that only authorised officials can enforce immigration laws.
Context of Recent Violence
Anti-migrant protests have intensified across South Africa, with demonstrators citing strain on the nation’s resources as a primary concern. The June 30 ultimatum calling for the departure of undocumented foreigners was revealed to be a fabricated notice generated by an AI program, not a government directive.
Furthermore, Mozambique has reported the deaths of five citizens in recent xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay, prompting neighbouring Ghana to repatriate around 300 of its nationals due to safety fears. Since 2024, over 100,000 undocumented individuals have been deported from South Africa, indicating a notable crackdown on illegal immigration.
Implications for Public Safety and Economy
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) has urged citizens to refrain from vigilantism, stating that “violence is not activism.” Meanwhile, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) warns that the ongoing protests pose risks to the economy and cross-border trade, urging a collaborative approach to address migration challenges.
As tensions rise, the focus now shifts to how the government will balance public sentiment with the necessity of upholding the rule of law and protecting all residents. The upcoming weeks are critical as communities react to both the protests and the government’s response.