Ramaphosa highlighted the public’s rising worries over unlawful immigration and its effects on communities in a message to the country on Monday titled “Protest is both a right and a responsibility.”

“Tomorrow, June 30, is the date that several groups have identified for protests against undocumented immigration in South Africa,” he stated. Concerns over illegal immigration, border management, demand on public services, criminal syndicates that take advantage of our immigration system, and the effects these issues have on communities have been voiced by South Africans.
“These are legitimate concerns that should be taken seriously.”

The president emphasised that constitutional freedoms do not allow threats, intimidation, vandalism, or violence, even though the right to protest is guaranteed by the South African Constitution.

“Our Constitution guarantees the right to demonstrate. The fact that people may freely voice their complaints is a testament to our strong democratic system. “However, the freedom of expression and the right to protest do not permit people to commit acts of violence or vandalism, or to threaten or intimidate others,” he said.

According to Ramaphosa, the government is already taking action to streamline visa and asylum procedures, tighten border management, and combat corruption because it understands the need for changes to the nation’s immigration system. The government has acknowledged the need for significant changes to our immigration system.

While emphasising the need of fixing systemic flaws and holding corrupt officials accountable, Ramaphosa underlined the necessity for better border control and enforcement against unlawful immigration. While acknowledging the right to protest, he made it clear that crimes committed during protests would not be accepted. Ramaphosa declared that immigration enforcement should be under government control, called vigilantism unacceptable, and cautioned against reenacting the wrongs of South Africa’s history.

He acknowledged that a large number of foreigners make valuable contributions to society and reaffirmed the need to protect both public safety and constitutional rights in order to preserve order.