Lead

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for national unity and warned against xenophobia as anti-foreigner protests spread across the country. Addressing the nation on Sunday, he acknowledged growing public concern about migration, pressure on public services, jobs, safety and the rule of law, saying those concerns are real and deserve to be addressed.

In a separate address during the Presidency Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Ramaphosa pledged a tougher government response to migration issues, outlining plans to strengthen immigration enforcement.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from AllAfrica describes two separate statements by the President. In his Sunday address, Ramaphosa sought to reassure the public, warning against xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia and other forms of intolerance. He said the government would act against those seeking to destabilise the country for political, personal or criminal gain, and stressed that only the State may enforce immigration laws.

A second account focuses on the protests and the government's response. It notes that anti-foreigner protests have occurred in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape, and reports that Ramaphosa promised a tougher government response to migration issues while cautioning against xenophobia and vigilantism.

The two reports complement each other: the first emphasizes the President's appeal for tolerance and adherence to the law, the second details concrete protest incidents and the government's enforcement plans.

Key Claims

  • President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday, acknowledging growing public concerns about migration.
  • He warned against xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia and other forms of intolerance, saying "there is no place" for such attitudes in South Africa.
  • Protests targeting foreigners are increasing across the country, with anti-foreigner protests in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.
  • Ramaphosa pledged a tougher government response to migration issues and outlined plans to strengthen immigration enforcement.
  • He said the government would act against those seeking to destabilise the country for political, personal or criminal gain.
  • He emphasized that South Africa has the right to enforce its immigration laws but that the responsibility rests with the State alone — "No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality."

Perspectives

Government (President Cyril Ramaphosa)

Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns about migration and its effects on public services and jobs, describing them as real. He called for unity and adherence to the Constitution and international obligations, warning against xenophobia, vigilantism and the spread of misinformation. He insisted that immigration enforcement is the sole responsibility of the State.