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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation by torchlight, saying countries should not refuse illegal migration
Ramaphosa addressed the nation as part of the government's approach to address recent increased protests against illegal migration and foreign nationals in South Africa.
During a live address on Sunday June 7, 2026, Ramaphosa said De Contre has taken various measures to curb illegal migration to South Africa.
“We must end illegal migration, we must tackle the challenges. We reject the notion that we must tolerate illegal migration. We can enforce our laws, we can secure our communities. We can overcome the problem of illegal migration.”
Ramaphosa's address came in response to a series of attacks and protests against foreigners living in South Africa.
Some foreigners face serious harassment as some groups in South Africa claim that foreign nationals who are undocumented have been given a June 30, 2026 deadline for illegal immigrants.
They claim that foreign nationals are taking jobs there.
However, Ramohosa says South Africans should 'not take any action against foreign nationals and every ODA, as they overcome challenges through peace and love, not through fear, anger or violence'.
The South African leader said during the 2026 National Independence Day celebrations in Bloemfontein on Monday, April 27 that legitimate concerns about illegal migration lead to hatred towards fellow Africans.
He says that although South Africans are concerned about undocumented and illegal immigrants to the country, not allowing any concern to arise results in xenophobia.
Highlights of President Ramaphosa's address to me
'We got laws for South Africa' – Ramaphosa
President Ramaphosa says South Africa should have laws and anyone who wants to follow the law will follow the law.
“We accept the pipes from our office at our office. In our office, we get the law on who fits into our area, what they do and what work they do.”
He said any foreigner wishing to work in South Africa must obtain a permit, including business owners.
“Anyone working for our Conti Gatz is legally allowed, if there is no business, you should be allowed, but the problem is that some Pipo Anta di Conti can be said to be illegal.
Ramaphosa mentioned the problem he faced being illegally and undocumented.
The President acknowledged that there are indeed some shortcomings to the South African system, including unemployment, a poor border system and migration issues.
He says that South Africans have the right to demand better welfare and a better life and that the government will take steps to give them that right.
“There are shortcomings in our system, South Africans deserve to expect better and we will take corrective measures to address them. The government will take action to address violations of immigration laws.”
'South Africans are not xenophobic' – Ramaphosa
On top of being accused of continuing xenophobic attacks towards South Africa, President Ramaphosa rejected that allegation, saying it would not happen.
To my address, we say that South Africans are not xenophobic and di pipo no allow some bad groups to take advantage of the situation in the country.
“South Africa is not xenophobic, just as South Africans are not xenophobic and we are not racist. We should not allow groups to use anarchist acts.”
Ramaphosa says he will not fall prey to social media campaigns that spread threats.
He says that any foreign citizen who wants to live in South Africa should respect the laws and policies there, and they should also follow the immigration laws there.
“Illegal migration poses a serious threat to the security and stability of South Africa. We know that illegal migration can hinder our efforts to create good jobs for our Pipo.”
Ramaphosa says part of the problem is that some employers hire illegal immigrants because they can pay them small amounts of money to exploit them.
I say that the government will now strengthen immigration laws and policies. As they say, 'Also include sister countries to further strengthen cooperation on migration issues.'