President Cyril Ramaphosa Addresses Rising Xenophobia in South Africa
On Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took to national television to appeal for calm amid a surge of anti‑immigrant protests and violent attacks that have unfolded over several weeks. His speech sought to dispel misinformation circulating on social media while reiterating the government’s commitment to lawful, orderly migration management.
Key Points from the Presidential Address
- Ramaphosa warned that “misinformation, fake news and lies” should not shape public opinion about foreigners living in the country.
- He condemned xenophobic rhetoric that targets individuals on the basis of tribe or ethnicity, describing such behaviour as “unacceptable.”
- The president acknowledged that illegal immigration is not the sole driver of South Africa’s socioeconomic challenges, urging a focus on faster economic growth, investment, industrial expansion, infrastructure development, and job creation.
- He announced a renewed, “decisive” crackdown on undocumented migrants, involving the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, the South African Police Service, and other law‑enforcement agencies.
- Ramaphosa stressed that only authorised government officials may enforce immigration laws, warning against vigilante actions and groups “stirring up tensions.”
Government Action and Deportation Statistics
Following the formation of the coalition government in 2024, immigration has been placed higher on the policy agenda. Official figures indicate that more than 100,000 individuals deemed to be in the country illegally have been deported over the past two years[1]. The president said that weaknesses in migration management would be addressed through intensified identification and removal processes.
Regional Repatriation Efforts
Several neighbouring countries have begun repatriating their citizens amid safety concerns:
- Ghana has facilitated the return of roughly 300 nationals and says additional voluntary returns are being arranged.
- Nigeria and Malawi have announced similar repatriation programmes for their nationals residing in South Africa.
- The Mozambican government reported that five of its citizens were killed in what it described as xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay, a coastal town in the Western Cape[2].
Historical Context of Xenophobic Violence
South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of violence against foreign nationals. The most severe incident occurred in May 2008, when more than 60 people were killed and thousands displaced in a wave of attacks that spread from Alexandra township to other parts of Gauteng[3]. Subsequent flare‑ups in 2015 and 2019 have prompted repeated calls from civil society, religious leaders, and international bodies for stronger protection mechanisms and community‑based dialogue.
Underlying Drivers
Analysts point to a combination of high unemployment—officially recorded at around 32.5% in the first quarter of 2024[4]—perceived competition for scarce public services, and the rapid spread of unverified claims on platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. While migrants often fill gaps in sectors like construction, retail, and informal trade, misinformation can exaggerate their impact on job availability and service delivery.
Moving Forward: Policy and Community Response
President Ramaphosa’s address combined a firm law‑and‑order stance with an appeal for socioeconomic solutions. Experts from the Institute for Security Studies suggest that sustainable reduction of xenophobic tension will require:
- Transparent, data‑driven immigration policies that are communicated clearly to the public.
- Investment in job‑creation programmes targeting both South Africans and documented migrants.
- Community engagement initiatives that foster intercultural dialogue and counteract hate speech.
- Robust monitoring of online platforms to curb the spread of false narratives.
By pairing enforcement with inclusive development strategies, the government aims to address both the immediate safety concerns raised by recent attacks and the longer‑term structural factors that fuel anti‑immigrant sentiment.
References:
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa – “Annual Deportation Statistics 2022‑2024,” accessed September 2025.
- Government of Mozambique Press Release, “Mozambican Nationals Victimised in Xenophobic Attack – Mossel Bay,” June 2025.
- Human Rights Watch, “South Africa: Xenophobic Violence – 2008,” May 2009.
- Statistics South Africa, Quarterly Labour Force Survey, Q1 2024.
