President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday evening. He announced decisive actions to curb illegal immigration, after weeks of anti-foreigner protests across South Africa. Acknowledging government failures in migration management, he promised to secure borders and enforce labour laws strictly.
Ramaphosa warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands. He stated that only authorised officials may enforce immigration laws; vigilantism and confrontation of individuals in streets are prohibited.
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Measures to secure borders and labour markets
Dedicated immigration courts will be established to speed up deportations. Refugee reception centres will move closer to border posts. Employers face stricter penalties for hiring undocumented workers — penalties will now include imprisonment, not just fines.
Special envoys will visit African countries to explain these measures. Emphasising that migration is a continental challenge, Ramaphosa said South Africa seeks cooperative solutions with regional partners.
Image via IOL.
