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President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to protest peacefully as the country braces for demonstrations against undocumented immigration on Tuesday, warning that acts of violence or intimidation would not be tolerated.
In a statement on Monday, Ramaphosa acknowledged the “deep concerns” South Africans have raised about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, and criminal syndicates exploiting the immigration system.
“These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard,” Ramaphosa said.
“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. But the right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence.”
Ramaphosa said the government had accepted that the immigration system required “substantial reform” and was strengthening border management, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of asylum and visa systems, and taking action against corruption.
The president said every right carries corresponding responsibilities and that those intending to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights and dignity of others.
“Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course,” he said.
South Africa has seen recurring bouts of anti-migrant violence, with protests intensifying this year after vigilante groups ordered undocumented foreigners to leave by June 30. (Photo by EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP)
Ramaphosa warned against vigilantism, saying the authority to enforce immigration laws belonged to law-enforcement officers, not private individuals.
“The painful history of the pass laws reminds us why the authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law-enforcement officers acting within the Constitution—not to private individuals. Whatever the motivation, taking the law into one’s own hands is vigilantism and has no place in our constitutional democracy.”
Ramaphosa said the government had held meetings with traditional monarchs, trade unions, business leaders, religious communities and other formations in society over recent weeks.
He welcomed assurances from some organisers of the planned protests that they stood against violence, saying they would be held to that undertaking.
“Throughout our history we have overcome difficult moments not through fear or division but by choosing law over lawlessness, dialogue over confrontation and justice over vengeance. Let us once again choose that path. Let us protect both our borders and our Constitution, both our security and our humanity. We are capable of doing both, and we must.”
