South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against xenophobic violence as anti-illegal immigration protests continue across parts of the country, even as tensions over undocumented migrants persist.
On Monday, dozens of protesters marched through Kwa-Thema township outside Johannesburg, about 40 kilometres southeast of the city, calling for stricter enforcement against undocumented migrants. Some participants were seen chanting and singing during the peaceful demonstration, while others carried sticks.
The protest came a day after Ramaphosa, in a national address, cautioned against rising xenophobic sentiments and urged citizens not to take the law into their hands despite growing concerns over illegal immigration.
“We will and must not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise our country through inciting lawlessness and violence,” the president said.
He added that government would take action against individuals and groups exploiting immigration concerns for political, criminal or other disruptive purposes.
Organisers of the protest welcomed the president’s remarks, saying they were encouraged that the issue had received national attention, but insisted their campaign would continue.
South Africa has experienced repeated waves of xenophobic violence over the years, with tensions worsening in recent months as vigilante groups reportedly issued ultimatums for undocumented foreigners to leave certain communities by June 30.
The country hosts more than three million foreign nationals—about five percent of its population—while unemployment remains above 30 percent, a key factor often linked to tensions over jobs and economic opportunities.
Over the past two decades, South Africa has recorded several outbreaks of xenophobic violence, including the deadly 2008 attacks that killed 62 people, with further incidents in 2015, 2016 and 2019.
Recent unrest has reportedly left at least two Mozambican nationals dead, while hundreds of migrants from countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Somalia have fled to Durban after being ordered to leave by local groups.
The violence has prompted evacuation efforts across the continent. Ghana has arranged repatriation flights, while Malawi and Mozambique have deployed buses to bring their citizens home. More than 600 Ghanaians were processed for departure over the weekend, bringing total departures to 995.
Meanwhile, the first group of Nigerians approved for evacuation is expected to leave South Africa on Wednesday, as governments continue to monitor developments and advise citizens to remain vigilant.
