By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans not to resort to violence, xenophobia and vigilantism amid rising anti-immigrant protests in the country.
The president made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon during the Presidency’s Budget Vote in Parliament.
Ramaphosa’s appeal follows increased violent protests led by vigilante groups who have been going door-to-door demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.
We must be clear: every person in South Africa – whether they are citizens or foreign nationals – must respect our laws, and the rights of every person in our country must be upheld,” Ramaphosa told Parliament.
Anti-immigrant groups accuse foreign nationals of taking jobs meant for citizens by accepting low wages, allegedly committing crimes and straining social services, including hospitals and schools.
Ramaphosa said his government is taking decisive action to address illegal immigration in the country by increasing inspections of workplaces and prosecuting employers who violate labor laws by employing undocumented migrants.
“We are strengthening border security, stamping out corruption in the immigration system and closing the loopholes in fragmented immigration laws,” he said.
Last month, Ghana repatriated about 300 of its citizens from South Africa following increased anti-immigrant violence.
Presidency Oversight Committee
Ramaphosa welcomed the establishment of the National Assembly’s dedicated oversight committee on the Presidency, describing it as a crucial pillar for transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.
He said strengthening parliamentary oversight was good for transparency, accountability, and South Africa’s democracy.
“The Presidency occupies a unique place within our government system in that it is not a service delivery department,” said Ramaphosa.
“The Presidency does not build roads nor does it deliver water or supply medicines to our hospitals and clinics.”
Ramaphosa said the Presidency was also not simply a coordinating institution. He described it as a strategic centre from which government derives implementation, resolves blockages, mobilises partners, and ensures that the commitments made by the government are translated into tangible results.
Economy and Job Creation
The president said the Presidency would focus its work during the current financial year on the priorities outlined in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this year.
The first priority, he said, was to grow the economy and create jobs.
“Following years of challenges, our economy is on the mend. The macroeconomic environment has improved, tax collection revenues remain strong, public finances are in better shape and national debt has stabilised.”
South Africa’s unemployment rate rose to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.4% in the previous quarter.
According to the president, the Presidency is also working with relevant departments to protect jobs in the automotive, cement, steel and other distressed sectors.
“We have embarked on the largest infrastructure build in South Africa’s history.”
“Over the next three years, the state will be investing R1 trillion in building and refurbishing roads, dams, schools, hospitals and clinics, as well as energy, logistics and transportation infrastructure.”
Ramaphosa said the Presidency was coordinating efforts to expand markets for South African goods.
“We are strengthening our trade relations with our main trading partners, including a number of countries on the African continent, the European Union, the United States and China, while expanding the diversity and volume of our exports to other parts of the world.”
Ramaphosa cautioned that economic conditions were likely to remain difficult in the short-term, particularly as recent labour market data shows a decline in employment.
“We know from experience that it often takes time for investment to translate into economic growth, and for growth to translate into jobs. But we must still be deeply concerned about the decline in employment, because it is about people’s lives and livelihoods,” he said.
Ramaphosa also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and crime. He said more than 80% of the recommendations arising from the State Capture Commission are complete, substantially complete or on track, while recoveries linked to corruption investigations have exceeded $940 million.
Ramaphosa further announced continued efforts to address youth unemployment, strengthen local government, combat gender-based violence and improve water service delivery through the National Water Crisis Committee.
The President called on South Africans to participate in the next phase of the National Dialogue process, with pilot engagements scheduled between June and August 2026.