Ramaphosa Condemns Anti-Immigrant Violence

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern and shame over the treatment of foreign nationals during recent anti-immigrant protests, saying thousands were forced to leave the country amid intimidation and violence.

Ramaphosa made the remarks on Friday while delivering a keynote address at a public lecture organised by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Durban ahead of the bloc’s 46th summit.

He condemned vigilante groups that targeted undocumented migrants, saying South Africa could not allow people to be harassed or intimidated because they came from other countries.

South Africa has witnessed increased anti-immigrant campaigns in recent months, with groups visiting homes, businesses and workplaces to demand documentation from foreign nationals and pressure them to leave.

The campaigns have been accompanied by reports of violence, looting and forced business closures. Thousands of migrants from Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have returned home through voluntary repatriation or deportation.

Ramaphosa said the actions of a few people should not undermine regional solidarity and integration. He stressed that migration had historically shaped Southern Africa and contributed to the region’s diversity and development.

“We cannot preach integration at summits and practise exclusion in the streets of our countries,” he said.

The president also warned against blaming migrants for broader social and economic challenges, as anti-immigrant groups accuse foreigners of taking jobs, increasing crime and placing pressure on public services.

SOURCE: AA