South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to citizens planning to participate in anti-immigration demonstrations scheduled for June 30 to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully, warning that violence, intimidation and acts of vigilantism will not be tolerated.
In a national address on Monday titled “Protest is both a right and a responsibility,” Ramaphosa acknowledged widespread public concern over undocumented immigration and its perceived impact on communities across the country.
The president noted that many South Africans have expressed worries about illegal immigration, ineffective border management, pressure on public services, organised criminal networks exploiting the immigration system and the broader effects these challenges have on local communities.
“Tomorrow, 30 June, marks the date that several groupings have identified for protests against undocumented immigration in South Africa.
“South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities.
“These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard,” he said.
Ramaphosa stressed that while the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
“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,” he stated.
The president said his administration recognises shortcomings within the country’s immigration system and has already begun implementing reforms aimed at strengthening border security, improving visa and asylum processes, and addressing corruption that has weakened immigration enforcement.
“Government has accepted that our immigration system requires substantial reform.
“We are strengthening border management, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of the asylum and visa systems, and taking action against corruption that has weakened immigration control,” he said.
Ramaphosa added that authorities remain committed to holding accountable anyone who facilitates illegal immigration through corrupt practices.
“We also recognise that where our systems have failed, they must be corrected. Where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable. Where enforcement has been inadequate, it must improve,” he added.
The president disclosed that the government had engaged traditional rulers, labour unions, business organisations, faith-based groups and other stakeholders, many of whom supported the planned immigration reforms while emphasising the need for tolerance and adherence to the rule of law.
Although he reaffirmed citizens‘ right to protest, Ramaphosa warned that any criminal conduct committed during the demonstrations would attract legal consequences.
“Freedom comes with responsibility. The right to protest is one of the defining freedoms of our democracy, but every right carries corresponding responsibilities.
“Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others.
“Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course,” he warned.
Ramaphosa also reminded citizens that many foreign nationals currently living in South Africa are legal residents who contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy and society.
“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully.
“They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution,” he said.
The president strongly condemned attempts by individuals to enforce immigration laws on their own, describing such actions as vigilantism that undermine the country’s constitutional order.
“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.
“This is a betrayal of the very constitutional order those who commit such acts claim to be defending. It is vigilantism thinly disguised in the language of patriotism,” he said.
Ramaphosa further cautioned South Africans against repeating painful episodes from the apartheid era.
“We must never allow ourselves to return to that painful chapter of our history where people were stopped on the street, had their physical identities scrutinised, and their right to move freely in the country hindered by suspicion and humiliation,” he said.
He assured citizens that security agencies are fully prepared to maintain law and order while safeguarding both public safety and the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“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,” the president concluded.
