Johannesburg: President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to call on South Africans to respect and uphold the laws of the country as government tackles the challenge of illegal migration. This as demonstrations, some violent, against undocumented immigrants have spread across several major cities in South Africa.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa stated that the recent violent protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals do not represent the views of South Africa's people nor reflect the government's policy. He described these actions as the work of opportunists exploiting legitimate grievances under the guise of 'community activism'. He emphasized that assuming state functions, such as checking identification and conducting property searches, by non-state actors will not be tolerated.

The President acknowledged the need for South Africa to address illegal immigration decisively and legally, highlighting its impact on social stability, governance, and national security. He pointed out that undocumented migration strains healthcare, housing, and municipal services, especially in poorer communities, and distorts the labor market, undermining labor protections and workers' rights.

Ramaphosa called for a collective effort from both the private sector and government to tackle these challenges. He criticized South Africans who engage in illegal activities with undocumented foreign nationals, exacerbating the problem.

The President commended the efforts of the Border Management Authority (BMA) and Defence Force in strengthening borders and combating illegal cross-border activity, noting that the BMA intercepted 450,000 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally over the past year. He also mentioned plans to hire up to 10,000 inspectors to enforce labor and immigration laws and emphasized ongoing efforts to arrest and deport undocumented foreign nationals.

Addressing the international attention on the violent protests, President Ramaphosa urged South Africans to resist attempts to damage the country's reputation and undermine African solidarity. He highlighted South Africa's strong refugee protection framework and commitment to African integration and cooperation.

President Ramaphosa concluded by asserting South Africa's right to regulate migration, secure borders, and enforce laws, condemning xenophobia and violence. He stressed the importance of upholding the law for both citizens and foreign nationals in South Africa.