By Zainab Bakare
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens planning to participate in Tuesday’s anti-immigration protests to demonstrate peacefully and within the confines of the law, while assuring the nation that government is intensifying efforts to reform the country’s immigration system.
In a national message titled “Protest is Both a Right and a Responsibility,” Ramaphosa acknowledged widespread public concerns over undocumented immigration, border security, pressure on public services and the activities of criminal syndicates exploiting the country’s immigration framework.
He said the concerns raised by many South Africans are legitimate and deserve to be addressed through lawful and democratic means.
While reaffirming that the country’s Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, the president stressed that such freedoms do not extend to violence, intimidation, vandalism or threats against individuals.
“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution,” Ramaphosa said, adding that constitutional rights must always be exercised responsibly and with respect for the rights of others.
The South African leader disclosed that government is implementing measures to strengthen border management, improve visa and asylum processes, enhance enforcement against undocumented migration and tackle corruption within the immigration system.
He maintained that weaknesses in the system would be corrected and officials found enabling illegal immigration through corrupt practices would be held accountable.
Ramaphosa also cautioned against vigilantism, insisting that enforcing immigration laws remains the exclusive responsibility of law enforcement agencies operating within the Constitution.
Drawing from South Africa’s painful history under the pass laws, he warned against private citizens demanding identification or taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, describing such actions as vigilantism disguised as patriotism.
The president further noted that many foreign nationals residing in South Africa are lawfully in the country, contributing to the economy through work, education, investment and family life, and are entitled to the full protection of the country’s laws and Constitution.
He assured citizens that security agencies have been placed on alert to safeguard lives, property and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly during the demonstrations.
Ramaphosa urged protesters to conduct themselves peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the dignity and safety of others, warning that anyone who engages in criminal acts during the protests will face the full weight of the law.
