Ramaphosa Condemns Violent Protests Against Foreign Nationals

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the recent violent protests and criminal acts targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.

On Monday, 11 May 2026, Ramaphosa said the violence does not represent the views of South Africans nor reflect government policy.

“These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism,” said Ramaphosa.

“Some of these people are assuming functions that only state officials are permitted to perform, including stopping people to check identification and conducting searches of private property.

“Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are.”

Ramaphosa acknowledged that South Africa must deal decisively, and within the law, with illegal immigration, warning that it threatens social stability, governance and national security.

He said undocumented migration puts pressure on healthcare, housing and municipal services, especially in poor communities.

Ramaphosa added that it also distorts the labour market. In a country with high unemployment, he said, some employers exploit cheaper, undocumented foreign labour instead of hiring citizens at legal wages.

This, he said, is not only fuelling social tension but also undermining labour protections and eroding the hard-won rights of workers.

“In tackling illegal migration, we are balancing our constitutional and international obligations with safeguarding national security.”

He praised the Border Management Authority and the Defence Force for tightening border security and tackling illicit cross-border activity, which saw about 450,000 people intercepted while trying to enter South Africa illegally last financial year.