Ramaphosa slams xenophobic violence

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned recent violent protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country, describing those behind the unrest as “opportunists” exploiting legitimate socio-economic grievances

In a public address issued on Monday, Ramaphosa said the violent acts being recorded in some communities do not represent the South African government or the majority of citizens.

He stressed that individuals involved in stopping people, conducting searches, or checking identities without legal authority were engaging in unlawful conduct.

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

“Some of these people are assuming functions that only state officials are permitted to perform. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are,” he said.

The president, however, maintained that South Africa must continue to address illegal immigration in a lawful and structured manner, warning that undocumented migration places pressure on public services and worsens unemployment.

“In a country with high unemployment, some employers are exploiting undocumented, cheaper foreign labour over hiring citizens and paying them legal wages.

“This is fuelling social tension and undermining labour protection laws,” he said.

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