South Africa: Ramaphosa warns against violence ahead of anti-immigration protests – The Sun Nigeria

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to citizens planning to participate in Tuesday’s anti-immigration protests to demonstrate peacefully and within the confines of the law, warning that violence, intimidation and vigilantism have no place in the country’s constitutional democracy.

In a national address on Monday titled “Protest is both a right and a responsibility,” Ramaphosa acknowledged widespread public concern over undocumented immigration, border security and the pressure placed on public services, but insisted that such grievances must not be used to justify unlawful conduct.

He said, “Tomorrow, 30 June, marks the date that several groupings have identified for protests against undocumented immigration in South Africa. South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities. These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard.”

The President stressed that while South Africa’s Constitution guarantees the right to protest, it does not permit criminal behaviour.

“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. But the right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” he said.

Ramaphosa disclosed that his administration had already begun reforms aimed at strengthening immigration controls, tightening border security and tackling corruption within the system.

He stated, “Government has accepted that our immigration system requires substantial reform. We are strengthening border management, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of the asylum and visa systems, and taking action against corruption that has weakened immigration control.”

He added, “We also recognise that where our systems have failed, they must be corrected. Where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable. Where enforcement has been inadequate, it must improve.”

According to the President, consultations have been held with traditional leaders, labour unions, business organisations, faith groups and other stakeholders, many of whom support government efforts while urging restraint and respect for the rule of law.

Ramaphosa reminded demonstrators that constitutional freedoms come with obligations.

“Freedom comes with responsibility. The right to protest is one of the defining freedoms of our democracy, but every right carries corresponding responsibilities. Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others.”

He warned that security agencies would not tolerate criminal acts during the demonstrations.

“Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course,” he said.

The South African leader also defended the rights of legally resident foreign nationals, noting that many contribute significantly to the country’s economy and 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.

He strongly condemned attempts by private citizens to enforce immigration laws, describing such actions as unlawful vigilantism.

“The painful history of the pass laws reminds us why the authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law-enforcement officers acting within the Constitution not to private individuals. Whatever the motivation, taking the law into one’s own hands is vigilantism and has no place in our constitutional democracy.”

He continued, “This is a betrayal of the very constitutional order those who commit such acts claim to be defending. It is vigilantism thinly disguised in the language of patriotism.”

Ramaphosa also urged South Africans not to repeat painful chapters from the country’s apartheid past.

“We must never allow ourselves to return to that painful chapter of our history where people were stopped on the street, had their physical identities scrutinised, and their right to move freely in the country hindered by suspicion and humiliation,” he said.

Concluding his address, the President said law enforcement agencies were prepared to maintain order while safeguarding both public safety and the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

“Throughout our history we have overcome difficult moments not through fear or division, but by choosing law over lawlessness, dialogue over confrontation and justice over vengeance. Let us once again choose that path. Let us protect both our borders and our Constitution, both our security and our humanity. We are capable of doing both, and we mus”.