President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected claims that South Africa is xenophobic, saying such characteristics are too simplistic and ignore the deeper pressures behind migration-related protests. The message was delivered by presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya during a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday.

The comments come at a tense moment. Anti-migrant protests have been gathering momentum in parts of the country, with some groups arguing that undocumented foreign nationals are linked to crime, job pressures and strain on public services. Magwenya said Ramaphosa and Mozambique President Daniel Chapo had discussed the issue and agreed that South Africa should not be broadly labelled xenophobic.

Immigration protests keep political pressure high

The latest protests have involved groups including March and March, Operation Dudula, ActionSA, the Inkatha Freedom Party and the MK Party. Demonstrators are calling for tougher immigration controls, stricter visa rules, a review of asylum policies, action against employers of undocumented migrants and accountability for corrupt police officers.

Magwenya said protests are allowed within South Africa’s constitutional framework, but stressed that they must remain peaceful. He said law enforcement is expected to prevent violence against anyone in the country, while also acting without fear or favour against foreign nationals who break the law.

That balancing act is becoming harder. South Africa is trying to respond to genuine public anxiety around crime and undocumented migration without allowing that anger to tip into intimidation or violence.

Presidency says continent must tackle root causes

Magwenya said Ramaphosa and Chapo agreed that African countries need more honest engagement on what drives migration across the continent. He pointed to conflict, instability and misgovernance as some of the forces pushing people to leave their home countries.

He also said criticism from other African governments should not stop at condemnation, but should lead to constructive talks on the causes of migration. Magwenya said Ramaphosa believes South Africa is a welcoming country and that South Africans should not all be labelled xenophobic.

Diplomatic concern continues to build

Ramaphosa’s remarks come as several African countries have raised concerns about the safety of their citizens in South Africa. Nigeria has engaged South African officials, warned its nationals to be cautious and announced voluntary repatriation for more than 100 people. Ghana has also formally complained and called for stronger protection for migrant communities.

The Police Ministry has meanwhile repeated that violence and intimidation against foreign nationals are unlawful and that SAPS will act decisively where such attacks occur. That means the pressure on government is now coming from two directions at once: public frustration at home and growing scrutiny from the rest of the continent.