President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned South Africans against vigilantism, xenophobic attacks and any attempts to destabilise the country as security agencies step up preparedness ahead of planned demonstrations on 30 June.
Responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday, Ramaphosa said the enforcement of immigration laws “rests with the state” and cautioned citizens not to stop people in the streets to demand identity documents.
He stressed that South Africa remained committed to protecting the rights of all people within its borders and rejected rising rhetoric targeting foreign nationals.
The President’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following weeks of sporadic xenophobic violence, including attacks on foreign‑owned shops and threats circulated on social media urging undocumented migrants to leave the country by 30 June.
Authorities have dismissed the so‑called deadline as unlawful, warning that any attempts to enforce it could trigger criminal charges.
Ramaphosa said government had strengthened border security, law‑enforcement operations and immigration management, but insisted that these measures must be carried out within the confines of the law.
He warned that actions by groups seeking to “take the law into their own hands” risked fuelling social instability.
Security agencies, including the South African Police Service, metro police and private security structures, are on high alert ahead of the planned demonstrations.
Ramaphosa said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure was “firmly in charge” of preparations and ready to respond to any threats to public order.
“Our security forces are ready and those who transgress the measures we are putting in place will meet the might of the law,” he said, adding that leaders across society had a responsibility to promote calm and prevent violence.
The president expressed confidence that most South Africans would reject xenophobia and unlawful conduct, saying citizens wanted to go about their daily lives without disruption.
He urged political leaders and communities to work with law‑enforcement agencies to prevent any attempts to destabilise the country.
Ramaphosa reiterated that while illegal immigration remained a challenge, all government actions must align with constitutional values and South Africa’s human‑rights obligations.
JN/APA