President Cyril Ramaphosa warned citizens against targeting foreign nationals. He said the government will not tolerate vigilante action. He stressed that no one can take the law into their own hands. He spoke during the 2026 Freedom Day event in Bloemfontein.
He urged communities to separate concern from violence. He warned that illegal migration concerns must not fuel hatred.
“We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans,” he said.
“We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia directed towards people from other African countries or any other parts of the world.”
Government strengthens immigration enforcement
Ramaphosa said authorities are tightening immigration controls. He added that officials are targeting illegal migration and corrupt practices. He also highlighted action against businesses hiring undocumented workers.
“That is why we are clamping down on illegal migration and on businesses that flout our laws by hiring undocumented persons at the expense of our citizens,” he said.
“We are actively rooting out corruption in our immigration system.”
He emphasised that only law enforcement can act against offenders. He warned citizens not to replace state authority.
“We will not allow people to take the law into their own hands,” Ramaphosa said.
Africa’s support and rising tensions
Ramaphosa reminded citizens of Africa’s role in the liberation struggle. He said many countries supported South Africa during apartheid. He urged citizens to honour that history with unity.
“We did not walk alone into freedom. We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others,” he said.
“These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves.”
He warned against undermining African solidarity.
“It cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, attacks on foreigners have increased across South Africa. Incidents occurred in Durban, Cape Town, and East London. These attacks triggered diplomatic concerns from Ghana and Nigeria.
Ramaphosa urged citizens to uphold constitutional values and ubuntu.
“We extend hospitality to those who are guests in our country, with the expectation that generosity is honoured with respect for our society and its laws,” Ramaphosa said.