In a highly anticipated national address, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly rejected the blanket labeling of South Africans as xenophobic, while simultaneously warning that his administration will not tolerate lawlessness, vigilantism, or the exploitation of immigration fears to destabilize the country.

The President’s address comes at a time of heightened nationwide tension, fueled by renewed anti-immigration protests and mounting public frustration over structural unemployment, crime, and strained public services; pressures that have increasingly seen foreign nationals targeted across various communities.

Ahead of the release of his full address, here is a breakdown of the key policy shifts, diplomatic maneuvers, and security directives outlined by the Head of State.

1. A Pan-African Diplomatic Offensive
Acknowledging that migration cannot be solved by one nation in isolation, President Ramaphosa announced that South Africa is launching a major diplomatic outreach campaign across the continent.

The presidency will dispatch special envoys to several sister African nations to detail South Africa's newly updated migration management strategy.

The objective is to foster a collaborative, sustainable framework to handle regional migration flows rather than relying on unilateral enforcement.


2. Weaponizing Law Enforcement Against Internal Agitators

While acknowledging the domestic anxieties surrounding border control, Ramaphosa drew a hard line against political groups or community factions using illegal immigration to promote chaos.

Xenophobia: Emotional scene as evacuee is carried on stretcher at Accra Airport

The government has placed the Interministerial Committee on Migration at the center of its domestic response. Crucially, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) and its provincial equivalents have been ordered to maximize coordination.

Security agencies, intelligence networks, and law enforcement are now on high alert to protect public safety, maintain order, and safeguard critical infrastructure from xenophobic attacks and riotous behavior.

3. Balancing Economic Realities with the Spirit of 'Ubuntu'

Ramaphosa reminded citizens of a critical economic reality: migration is a two-way street. Thousands of South Africans live, study, and work abroad, bringing back vital global expertise that drives domestic prosperity.

He noted that recent updates to South Africa’s immigration laws and regulations are specifically designed to streamline lawful entry for tourists, high-skilled global talent, and international investors who grow the economy.

However, the President made it clear that economic openness must coexist with rigid border integrity, emphasizing that South Africa can protect its sovereignty without stripping away human dignity.

“We reject the notion that we must tolerate illegal immigration," Ramaphosa declared.

"We can protect our borders while protecting human dignity. We can enforce our laws while upholding our constitution. We can secure our communities while preserving the values of Ubuntu that define us as a people,” he stressed.

Urging the nation to lean on unity rather than fear and hatred, Ramaphosa expressed absolute confidence that the country would overcome its current migration impasse just as it historically triumphed over institutionalized division and injustice.

His speech follows widespread outrage from April 2026, after videos circulated on social media showing foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, being harassed and asked to produce immigration documents by groups of South Africans.

The first batch of 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks landed at Accra International Airport at about 3:00 pm on May 27, 2026.

The second back of returnees arrived in Ghana on June 7, 2026.

The evacuation process began after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an advisory urging distressed Ghanaians in South Africa to register with Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria for assistance and possible evacuation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who welcomed the first batch of evacuees at the airport, said the group included 26 citizens who had been in South African prisons for visa offences and announced that psychosocial support, transport allowances, and reintegration packages would be provided to help the returnees settle back home.

Watch President Ramaphosa’s full speech below.



VPO