By Tumwine Byaruhanga
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that planned protests against undocumented immigration must not be used as a cover for intimidation, violence or vigilantism.
In his weekly message to South Africans, Ramaphosa said the concerns raised over illegal immigration, border control, pressure on public services and criminal syndicates exploiting the immigration system are real and deserve government attention.
Several groups are expected to hold protests on June 30 against undocumented immigration in South Africa.
Ramaphosa said the right to protest is protected by the Constitution, but warned that freedom of expression does not give anyone the right to threaten others, damage property or take the law into their own hands.
“Freedom comes with responsibility,” he said, adding that those who intend to protest must do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights and safety of others.
The President said South Africa remains a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law, and that public grievances must be addressed through democratic institutions, evidence and lawful processes.
He said government accepts that the country’s immigration system needs serious reform.
Ramaphosa said authorities are working to strengthen border management, increase enforcement against undocumented immigration, improve the asylum and visa systems, and act against corruption that has weakened immigration controls.
He said where systems have failed, they must be corrected, and where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable.
The President also defended foreign nationals who live in South Africa lawfully, saying many work, study, raise families, invest in the economy and contribute to society.
He said they are entitled to the protection of South Africa’s laws and Constitution.
Ramaphosa welcomed assurances from some organisers of the planned protests that they oppose violence, but said they would be held to that commitment.
“No cause, no matter how legitimate, will be an excuse to shift responsibility for violent acts,” he said.
He also warned against private citizens demanding identification from people on the streets or trying to enforce immigration laws themselves.
Ramaphosa said South Africa’s painful history of pass laws is a reminder that such powers belong only to lawful enforcement officers acting within the Constitution.
He described vigilantism as a betrayal of the constitutional order and warned against acts of intimidation being dressed up as patriotism.
The President said law enforcement agencies are ready to protect the right to protest while keeping communities, businesses and individuals safe.
He urged South Africans to choose dialogue over confrontation and law over lawlessness, saying the country can protect both its borders and its Constitution.
