South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to citizens planning to participate in anti-immigration protests on June 30 to do so peacefully and within the confines of the law, warning that violence, intimidation and vigilantism have no place in the country’s constitutional democracy.
In a national address on Monday titled “Protest is both a right and a responsibility,” Ramaphosa acknowledged growing public concerns over undocumented immigration, border security and the pressure placed on public services.
The president said many South Africans had expressed legitimate concerns about illegal immigration, criminal syndicates exploiting the country’s immigration system and the impact of these challenges on local communities.
“These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard,” Ramaphosa said.
While affirming that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, he stressed that such freedoms do not extend to acts of violence, intimidation, vandalism or lawlessness.
“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.
Ramaphosa said the government had acknowledged shortcomings in the country’s immigration system and was implementing reforms to strengthen border management, improve visa and asylum processes, and combat corruption that has weakened immigration controls.
According to him, authorities are intensifying enforcement against undocumented immigration while ensuring that those responsible for corruption within the system are held accountable.
“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 said.
The president disclosed that government had engaged traditional leaders, labour unions, business organisations, religious groups and other stakeholders, many of whom expressed support for reforms while emphasising respect for the rule of law.
Ramaphosa, however, warned that anyone engaging in criminal conduct during the demonstrations would face the full weight of the law.
“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 said.
The president also reminded South Africans that many foreign nationals residing in the country are there legally and contribute to the economy through work, investment and other productive activities.
He cautioned against citizens taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, describing such actions as vigilantism and drawing parallels with the country’s painful history under apartheid-era pass laws.
“The authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law-enforcement officers acting within the Constitution—not to private individuals,” Ramaphosa said.
He urged South Africans to reject division and uphold the country’s democratic values, stressing that security and respect for human rights must go hand in hand.
Ramaphosa added that law enforcement agencies were fully prepared to maintain public order, protect peaceful protesters and ensure the safety of all residents during the demonstrations.
He called on citizens to choose dialogue over confrontation and justice over vengeance, saying South Africa must continue to protect both its borders and its constitutional values.
