South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has attributed rising xenophobic tensions in parts of the country to increasing illegal immigration, warning that undocumented migration is placing pressure on jobs, public services, and social stability in vulnerable communities.

The remarks were contained in a statement published on Monday on the official website of the South African Presidency amid renewed attacks and harassment targeting foreign nationals and foreign-owned businesses in Johannesburg and surrounding areas.

Ramaphosa condemned the recent violence, stressing that the attacks do not represent South African values or official government policy. He said the incidents were being driven by criminal elements exploiting socio-economic frustrations in poorer communities.

“The recent violent protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals in parts of our country do not represent the views of South Africa’s people nor reflect our government’s policy,” Ramaphosa said.

He, however, linked illegal immigration to growing pressure on public resources and labour markets, warning that the situation requires urgent but lawful intervention.

“At the same time, as a society, we need to deal decisively – and within the law – with the challenge of illegal immigration, which risks our social stability, governance and national security,” he added.

The South African president noted that undocumented migration was increasing strain on healthcare, housing, and municipal services, especially in already underserved communities. He also said it was distorting the labour market by encouraging some employers to hire cheaper undocumented foreign workers instead of local citizens.

Ramaphosa further warned that illegal immigration poses risks to “social stability, governance and national security,” adding that government enforcement would be strengthened through the Border Management Authority and other security agencies.

He also disclosed that authorities would intensify action against employers who violate immigration and labour laws.

South Africa has in recent years experienced repeated waves of xenophobic violence, often linked to unemployment, inequality, and competition in informal economic sectors. These tensions have occasionally escalated into attacks on foreign nationals, particularly African migrants operating small businesses in urban communities.

Previous outbreaks in 2008 and 2015 led to deaths, displacement, and diplomatic tensions across Africa, making immigration a recurring and sensitive political issue in the country.

The latest developments come as Nigeria intensifies diplomatic engagement with South African authorities over renewed attacks on foreign nationals.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) confirmed that at least two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed in separate incidents linked to anti-foreigner violence. The Nigerian government has called for stronger protection of its citizens, improved security measures, and swift prosecution of perpetrators.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over growing concerns about the safety of Nigerian nationals.

The situation has increased diplomatic pressure on South African authorities to address xenophobic violence while balancing immigration enforcement with human rights obligations.

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Electricity supply has been restored to the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, following the settlement of outstanding municipal utility debts owed to the City of Tshwane, South African authorities have confirmed.

The diplomatic mission was plunged into darkness on Monday after the city disconnected power to the High Commission as part of enforcement actions against defaulting consumers. The move quickly drew public attention after Tshwane Executive Mayor, Nasiphi Moya, disclosed the development on social media.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Mayor Moya confirmed that the Nigerian High Commission had been disconnected due to unpaid electricity bills, noting that the city was enforcing its municipal regulations without exception.

“We’ve disconnected electricity at the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They owe the city for utility services,” Moya stated.

She added that electricity would be restored once the outstanding debt was cleared, stressing that diplomatic missions were not exempt from municipal service obligations.

Hours later, the mayor confirmed that the Nigerian High Commission had honoured its financial obligations, paving the way for the reconnection of electricity to the premises.

“We thank the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for honouring its debt to the city. The city will reconnect electricity,” she said.

Daily Trust gathered that power was subsequently restored after the required payments were made. As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian High Commission had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

This development is not the first time Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa have faced electricity disconnection over unpaid utility bills. In 2023, City Power disconnected electricity to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg over an outstanding debt estimated at R600,000 (about $35,000).

Similarly, in September 2025, the High Commission in Pretoria was reportedly disconnected again after accumulating unpaid electricity charges, prompting renewed concerns over the management of utility obligations at Nigeria’s foreign missions.

The recurring incidents have sparked conversations among Nigerians and policy observers about funding, accountability, and administrative efficiency within the country’s diplomatic missions abroad.

Despite the temporary disruption, the restoration of power is expected to allow normal diplomatic and consular activities at the High Commission to resume without further interruption.

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