•••President urges peaceful demonstrations, says only security agencies have the authority to enforce immigration laws
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed for calm ahead of nationwide anti-immigrant protests scheduled for Tuesday, warning that violence, intimidation and vigilantism will not be tolerated.
In a statement released ahead of the demonstrations, Ramaphosa acknowledged growing public concerns over illegal immigration, border security and the pressure on public services.
However, he stressed that while citizens have the constitutional right to protest, they must do so peacefully and within the confines of the law.
The president cautioned against attacks on foreign nationals, insisting that no individual or group has the authority to enforce immigration laws or take the law into their own hands. He said only the country’s security agencies are empowered to deal with immigration-related offences and maintain public order.
The protests are being organised by groups demanding stricter action against illegal immigration, tighter border controls and the deportation of undocumented migrants.
Authorities fear the demonstrations could degenerate into xenophobic violence similar to previous incidents that claimed lives, displaced thousands of people and damaged businesses.
Security agencies have since been placed on high alert, with additional police personnel deployed to major cities and other identified flashpoints to prevent any breakdown of law and Ramaphosa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening border management, improving immigration enforcement and addressing weaknesses in the country’s migration system.
He also assured legally resident foreign nationals that their rights and safety would be protected in accordance with South Africa’s Constitution.
The president urged all protesters to express their grievances peacefully, warning that anyone found engaging in violence, intimidation or destruction of property would face the full weight of the law.
