Uphold our laws, says Ramaphosa on protests directed at foreign nationals

By Cyril Ramaphosa

The recent violent protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals in parts of our country do not represent the views of South Africa’s people nor reflect our government’s policy.

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, including stopping people to check identification and conducting searches of private property. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are.

At the same time, as a society, we need to deal decisively – and within the law – with the challenge of illegal immigration, which risks our social stability, governance and national security.

Undocumented migration places strain on healthcare, housing and municipal services, particularly in poor communities.

It distorts the labour market.