We are not xenophobic — South African President

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that South Africans are inherently xenophobic, insisting that the country does not tolerate intolerance, discrimination, or hostility toward foreign nationals.

His comments come amid rising concern over recent attacks and tensions involving foreign nationals in South Africa, which have prompted several African countries, including Ghana, to take steps to safeguard their citizens.

In a special national address on Sunday, June 7, President Ramaphosa reassured both South Africans and the international community that the country remains committed to the values of tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence.

He acknowledged concerns over isolated incidents involving foreign nationals but stressed that such actions do not reflect the character or views of the wider population.

“We know that South Africans are not xenophobic, as there is no space for xenophobia, for racism, for sexism, for Afrophobia, or any other form of intolerance in South Africa,” he said.

“As communities and as a society, we must not be tempted to join those who want us to turn against people who were not born in South Africa and who are in our midst. We will and must not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise our country through inciting lawlessness and violence.”

South Africa has over the years experienced periodic outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence, often linked to unemployment, crime, competition for resources, and broader economic pressures. These incidents have consistently drawn condemnation from across the African continent and renewed calls for stronger protection of migrants.

Ghana is among the countries responding to the latest developments, with government authorities facilitating the return of Ghanaian nationals who expressed fears for their safety.

The Ghanaian government has already begun evacuation and repatriation exercises for affected citizens following the escalation of violence against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.