President Ramaphosa Talks Migration, Security and Peace

Why the Speech Matters

President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to members of the National Council of Provinces about South Africa’s challenges with illegal immigration, border control and plans to keep the country stable. He also addressed worries about possible marches on 30 June that could lead to unrest.

A Five‑Point Plan for Managing Migration

1. Stronger Enforcement

• More workplace inspections to catch employers hiring people without proper papers.
• Increased deportations of undocumented foreigners.
• Creation of special immigration courts to speed up cases.
• Hiring 10 000 new labour inspectors, rolled out in phases as budget allows.

2. Tighter Border Security

• Upgrade the six busiest ports of entry with better infrastructure and technology.
• Move refugee reception centres to border posts for quicker processing.
• Add more personnel and surveillance tools along the borders.

3. Modernising the Immigration System

• Launch a digital ID system with biometric data to replace the old green ID books.
• Introduce an electronic travel authorisation for airports and major land crossings.
• Use anti‑corruption measures to keep the system fair.

4. Legal and Policy Updates

• Cabinet approved a revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection.
• New labour migration laws will set quotas for foreign workers in certain sectors.

5. Improving Asylum Processing

• The Refugee Appeals Authority has hired extra adjudicators, with help from UNHCR, to clear backlogs.
• Efforts are underway to stop rejected asylum seekers from filing repeat applications while staying unlawfully.

Working with Neighbours

Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa cannot solve migration alone. The country is cooperating with SADC, the African Union and bilateral partners to tackle the root causes—conflict, poverty and lack of jobs—by boosting regional trade and investment, including through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Preparing for the 30 June Marches

Members of parliament asked about safety plans for the planned demonstrations. The president said:

• Security forces are on alert and ready to respond to any violence.
• Intelligence units are monitoring potential threats.
• The goal is to keep 30 June a normal working day for everyone.
• Leaders at all levels must promote peace and act within the law against those who try to destabilise the nation.

Addressing Concerns About Foreign Workers

Some MPs argued that employers prefer undocumented migrants because they are cheaper and more flexible. Ramaphosa rejected this view, noting that many foreign workers are paid very low wages and forced to work in unsafe conditions—situations no local worker would accept. He added that any changes to labour rules must follow the proper legislative process.

Conclusion

President Ramaphosa’s message is clear: South Africa will fight racism, sexism, xenophobia and Afrophobia while tightening immigration controls, strengthening borders and updating laws. At the same time, the government is committed to keeping the country peaceful, especially ahead of any public protests, and to working with regional partners to reduce the pressures that drive people to migrate in search of a better life. By combining enforcement, reform and cooperation, the aim is to build a safer, fairer society for everyone living in South Africa.