South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the limits of protest rights. He stressed that freedom of expression did not extend to threats, intimidation, vandalism, or violence ahead of the June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups.
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke during a national address and parliamentary sessions. He acknowledged public concerns over illegal migration but warned citizens not to take the law into their own hands.
President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed the June 30 deadline as unnecessary. He stated that immigration enforcement remained the sole responsibility of the government. He urged South Africans not to allow themselves to be misled by those seeking to create division and instability.
In his remarks, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the right to peaceful protest was protected. However, he added that this right did not permit acts of vandalism or violence. He vowed that anyone who tried to disrupt the country on June 30 would face the full force of the law.
The government deployed additional police and defence force members across hotspots. President Cyril Ramaphosa assured citizens that measures ensured daily life continued without interruption.
He called for calm and emphasised that scapegoating foreigners would not solve deeper issues like unemployment and inequality.
Anti-immigration groups had called for undocumented foreigners to leave by the deadline. President Cyril Ramaphosa responded by reinforcing constitutional protections while promising stronger border controls and enforcement actions through official channels. He warned that lawlessness during any marches would not be tolerated.
The president’s statements came as tensions rose in several communities. He reiterated that South Africa had no space for xenophobia or intolerance.
