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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected xenophobia and called for national unity, saying that citizens are entitled to expect a better, more effective government as authorities take decisive steps to strengthen immigration enforcement.
Ramaphosa, while addressing the nation on Sunday, spoke on national concerns about immigration and public order, saying the government accepts responsibility for current shortcomings and is working to correct them.
“South Africans are entitled to expect better. We accept that responsibility, and we are taking decisive action to correct these shortcomings,” he said.
He stressed that citizens have the right to expect a state that is effective, professional, and capable of enforcing the law.
“South Africans have a right to expect a state that is effective, professional and capable of enforcing its laws,” he added.
The president explained that the government will take action to meet public expectations in addressing violations of immigration laws. He made it clear that only authorised government officials may act against immigration law violations.
“I must make it clear that only the authorised government officials may act against violations of the law, including violations of our immigration laws,” he said.
He warned against individuals or groups taking the law into their own hands.
“No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street… to demand proof of identity,” the president said.
Ramaphosa also rejected xenophobia and all forms of discrimination, saying South Africa has no space for intolerance.
“We know that South Africans are not xenophobic, as there is no space for xenophobia, for racism, for sexism, for afrophobia or any other form of intolerance,” he said.
He urged communities not to turn against foreign nationals living in the country, warning against actions that could destabilise South Africa.
“As communities and as a society, we must not be tempted to join those who want us to turn against people who were not born in South Africa,” he stated.
Ramaphosa warned that criminal groups should not be allowed to exploit legitimate public concerns to spread violence or lawlessness.
