PRETORIA – President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to weeks of nationwide anti-foreigner marches with a five-point crackdown on illegal immigration and a warning against vigilante action.

Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday (7 June) from the Union Buildings in Tshwane, where he acknowledged that illegal immigration is a concern for many South Africans, linking the frustration to high unemployment, cost of living, poverty and lack of opportunity.

He said these concerns deserved to be heard and addressed, but placed them in context.

“Every person within the borders of South Africa should be here legally. Not illegally,” he said.

He was clear, however, that illegal immigration is not the root cause of South Africa’s economic problems. The real answer, he said, is faster economic growth, greater investment, industrial expansion and the creation of millions of jobs.

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Ramaphosa also acknowledged that migration is a global issue driven by international conflicts and instability, and that South Africa has obligations to protect those genuinely in need.

He admitted there had been weaknesses in enforcing immigration laws, corruption within the system and gaps that had undermined public confidence — but said government was taking decisive action.

He warned that no civilian or group may confront anyone in the street to demand proof of nationality, and that government would act against those exploiting public concern for “political, personal or criminal agendas.”

“We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals,” he said.

His five-point plan covered enforcement, securing borders, tackling corruption and reforming identity systems, closing legal gaps and regional cooperation.

Enforcement

The Border Management Authority intercepted over 450 000 people attempting to enter the country illegally in the past year.

Dedicated immigration courts will be set up to speed up deportations, and the Department of Employment and Labour will recruit 10 000 inspectors this financial year.

Penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers will be increased — including imprisonment, not just fines.

Securing borders

Government will continue to invest in modern technology, infrastructure and personnel to secure borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Refugee reception centres will be relocated closer to border posts — starting with Tshwane this year — to process asylum applications faster and more fairly at the point of entry.

Tackling corruption and reforming identity systems

Officials who sell documents or facilitate unlawful entry will face dismissal and criminal prosecution.

An Intelligent Population Register with biometric data will be established, laying the foundation for a Digital ID for all.

Green ID books will be phased out and the abuse of the Traffic Registration Number as a form of identification will end — with new regulations to be issued within three months.

Closing legal gaps

Ramaphosa said immigration laws are “fragmented and often contradictory” and that loopholes will be closed.

The National Labour Migration Policy, which proposes maximum quotas for documented foreign nationals in employment, has been finalised.

The Employment Services Amendment Bill has been approved by Cabinet for introduction to Parliament.

The Department of Small Business Development, working with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), will ensure all small and informal businesses are properly registered, with South African informal businesses supported through the Spaza Shop Fund.

Regional cooperation

Ramaphosa said South Africa could not act alone and would send envoys to sister African countries to seek cooperative solutions.

“Migration pressures cannot be addressed through enforcement measures alone. They require peace where there is conflict, economic growth where there is stagnation and opportunity where there is poverty,” he said.

He closed with a call for unity: “Let us do so not through fear, anger, hatred or violence, but through unity, determination and respect for the rule of law.”

The address came a day after protesters marched in Summer Greens, Milnerton on Saturday (6 June), handing a memorandum to police at Milnerton Police Station. This followed a similar march through Lwandle and Nomzamo in Strand the previous week, where residents demanded foreign-owned spaza shops be closed within seven days.

The marches form part of a growing movement spearheaded by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma. March and March is a civic organisation that emerged in KwaZulu-Natal and has since spread to Gauteng and the Western Cape. It condemns undocumented immigration, calling for “illegal” foreigners to leave and for government to tighten migration policies.

Abigail Nandiloha Matolong, one of the organisers of both the Lwandle and Summer Greens marches, said communities are overwhelmed by foreign nationals flooding the streets with drugs.

Matolong, who is from Summer Greens near Milnerton, became involved with March and March through TikTok. She attributes the movement’s rise to the failure of major political parties to protect citizens.

She said she does not believe Ramaphosa will follow through on his announcements.

“I don’t think the president has got the plan of dealing with illegal immigrants in our country,” she said.

She added that they will continue to march until government acts on their demands.