South Africa President rejects June 30 ultimatum for African migrants, urges calm amid xenophobic crackdown
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens to allow state institutions to handle immigration enforcement, cautioning against unlawful actions targeting foreign nationals.
His remarks follow renewed anti-immigration protests and threats issued by some groups directing African migrants to leave the country by June 30 or face action.
The situation has triggered concern across the continent, with reports of attacks on foreign-owned businesses and evacuation plans by some African countries, including Ghana.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, June 16, the President said government interventions were already underway to address concerns around undocumented migration and public frustration.
He stressed that citizens should not act independently on immigration matters, noting that enforcement remains the sole responsibility of the state.
“So the so-called 30th of June, in my view, is not an event that is even necessary, because we are addressing the challenges that our people are facing, and we must not allow South Africans to be duped and to be misled,” he stated.
Ramaphosa further assured that security agencies would maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order as authorities continue with enforcement measures.