Ramaphosa cautions against vigilantism as anti-immigrant protests loom

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed for peaceful demonstrations ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests scheduled for Tuesday, warning that anyone engaging in criminal acts under the guise of protest will face the full weight of the law.

In a statement issued on Monday, Ramaphosa stressed that while the right to protest is guaranteed under the country’s Constitution, it does not extend to violence, intimidation or other unlawful conduct.

His appeal comes amid renewed tensions over immigration, with anti-immigrant groups intensifying campaigns against undocumented migrants in recent months. Several of the demonstrations have reportedly turned violent, with protesters accusing foreign nationals of contributing to rising crime and placing additional pressure on public services.

Addressing the growing hostility, the South African leader emphasized that many foreign nationals reside legally in the country and make significant contributions to society.

“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully. They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution,” Ramaphosa said.

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The president acknowledged concerns surrounding illegal immigration and noted that his administration has begun implementing measures aimed at strengthening border management and improving immigration enforcement.

However, he urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands, insisting that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the relevant authorities.

“It is vigilantism thinly disguised in the language of patriotism,” Ramaphosa warned.

The latest appeal comes after right-wing groups in South Africa issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, raising fears of further xenophobic attacks.

The renewed wave of anti-immigrant sentiment has already claimed lives, with at least two Nigerians reported killed since the protests resurfaced.

In response to the deteriorating situation, the Nigerian government has commenced the voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa. Two evacuation flights have already returned Nigerians to Lagos, while the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the repatriation exercise will be carried out in five batches, with the third flight expected to arrive on Tuesday.