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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The Federal Government has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians in South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions.

FG Raises Concern Over Deaths

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the victims—Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro—reportedly died after sustaining injuries while in the custody of South African security agencies.

The government described the incidents as troubling and demanded full disclosure, including autopsy reports and access to investigation details.

Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said Nigeria expects accountability and concrete action where wrongdoing is established.

Diplomatic Engagement Ongoing

The demand followed a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, in Abuja.

The engagement was initiated under the directive of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, as part of efforts to address the situation diplomatically.

Rising Xenophobic Tensions

Nigeria expressed concern over ongoing protests in parts of South Africa, where demonstrators have called for foreigners to leave the country.

Officials warned that such developments have heightened fear among Nigerians living in the country and could escalate into broader security risks.

Early Warning Mechanism Activated

To manage the crisis, Nigeria is fast-tracking the implementation of a bilateral Early Warning Mechanism designed to improve communication and prevent violence.

The government confirmed it has received the signed Memorandum of Understanding from South Africa and is pushing for immediate activation.

Call for Protection of Nigerians

Nigeria urged South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians residing lawfully in the country, stressing the need for dignity and protection.

“We are not satisfied with just statements. We need actions,” Ebienfa said, indicating that further diplomatic steps may be taken if necessary.

Possible Next Steps

The government noted that while voluntary return for Nigerians remains self-funded, intervention could be considered if the situation deteriorates.

Officials added that Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and expects measurable outcomes from South African authorities.

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Tensions around xenophobia in South Africa have intensified after a viral video showed a woman calling on Nigerians and other foreign nationals to leave the country with their families.

The remarks, widely shared across social media, have sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of migrant communities, particularly Nigerians living in the country.

In the video, the woman urged South African women married to Nigerian men to relocate with their husbands and children, suggesting that foreign families should not remain in the country.

“If a man loves you, he must take you back to where he’s coming from… let them go with their wives and their kids,” she said.

Backlash and Rising Concerns

The comments have drawn sharp criticism online, with many describing them as discriminatory and dangerous, especially for mixed-nationality families and children born in South Africa.

Observers warn that such rhetoric could inflame tensions and contribute to a hostile environment for foreign nationals.

The development comes amid ongoing activities linked to Operation Dudula, a group known for campaigning against undocumented migrants and advocating stricter controls on access to public services.

Impact on Schools and Families

Reports indicate that the situation is beginning to affect schools, where foreign pupils are increasingly feeling the impact of anti-immigrant sentiment.

Families have expressed concern that children are becoming unintended targets in a broader wave of hostility.

Education authorities have reiterated that all children have the right to education, regardless of nationality, warning that any attempt to deny access would violate established laws and protections.

A Growing Climate of Fear

The combination of inflammatory rhetoric and grassroots mobilisation has created an atmosphere of uncertainty for many African migrants, including Nigerians who make up a significant portion of the foreign population in South Africa.

The country has a long history of xenophobic violence, often linked to economic pressures, unemployment, and competition for limited resources.

However, analysts note that recent developments suggest a shift, with rhetoric increasingly targeting families and children rather than just individuals.

Calls for Stronger Action

While the government has consistently condemned xenophobic attacks and pledged to maintain law and order, critics argue that more decisive action is needed to address hate speech and protect vulnerable communities.

For many affected families, the immediate concern remains safety, as fears grow over how online rhetoric could translate into real-world consequences.

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