By SUNTV Global Channel
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign African nationals, declaring that no citizen has the legal authority to stop people on the streets to question their nationality or immigration status.
Speaking on the country’s growing migration challenges, Ramaphosa revealed that he has personally spoken with the presidents of nearly all African countries whose citizens have been affected by the violence. According to him, the discussions focused on protecting the rights and safety of both foreign nationals and South African citizens.
The president acknowledged that weaknesses in South Africa’s immigration system have contributed to the current situation but assured that his administration is implementing reforms while ensuring that human rights remain protected.
Ramaphosa also explained that the government’s repatriation programme is being carried out on a voluntary basis and in collaboration with the governments of affected countries. He noted that temporary repatriation centres, particularly in Musina, have been established to assist foreign nationals who wish to return home safely.
He emphasized that immigration enforcement is strictly the responsibility of government authorities, warning that vigilante groups and private individuals have no right to profile or intimidate anyone based on nationality.
According to the South African leader, his government is also responding to public concerns over illegal immigration by strengthening border security, enforcing immigration regulations, and ensuring employers hire only properly documented workers.
The latest wave of xenophobic violence has affected citizens from several African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Reports indicate that foreign-owned businesses were looted, homes were destroyed, and several people lost their lives during the unrest.
The violence prompted emergency responses from multiple African governments, with countries including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya organizing evacuation flights to bring stranded citizens back home, while thousands of others sought refuge before returning to their countries.
Ramaphosa expressed confidence that ongoing government measures would help restore order, improve migration management, and ensure that the rights of everyone living in South Africa are respected.
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