President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans not to be misled by people trying to cause chaos in the country with anti-immigrant sentiments.
He spoke on the sidelines of a Youth Day commemorative event, which marked exactly two weeks until planned mass anti-migrant protests on 30 June. Groups like March and March, as well as the political party, ActionSA, are among the groups that have called for undocumented immigrants to leave the country by the date.
Meanwhile, thousands of foreign nationals from countries including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana and Mozambique have been repatriated in recent weeks, amid growing protest action.
There has also been a series of protests in the Western Cape, particularly Cape Town; most recently, protesters took to the streets in Sea Point.
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Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa dismissed the 30 June deadline, noting that it was not “necessary”.
“In my view, its not an event that is even necessary because we are addressing the challenges that our people are facing,” Ramaphosa said.
In his Youth Day speech, Ramaphosa also acknowledged that the challenges facing the youth should not be blamed on foreign nationals, noting that “our problems are our own”.
“The roots of these challenges lie primarily in inequality, slow economic growth and weaknesses in service delivery. Addressing these challenges requires practical solutions, not the scapegoating of vulnerable people.”
Ramaphosa added that problems related to illegal immigration should only be addressed by the government, adding that officials are working on this.
“No South African must take any action against any person from any of our African sister countries. That is the responsibility of the government and government officials.”
He further noted that law enforcement agencies will be deployed to maintain calm and to ensure that people’s lives are not disrupted on 30 June.
“We must not allow South Africans to be duped and to be misled by those who want to foster instability in our country. And we will not allow that. So security forces in our country are going to ensure that there is no instability and there is no disruption of the lives of our people. But government is continuing the interventions.”
YOUTH DAY | President Cyril Ramaphosa says the 30th of June deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country is unnecessary. He adds that South Africans must not be misled by those seeking to foster instability. pic.twitter.com/HuXYDpG49Q
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 16, 2026
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At the same time, the national taxi council SANTACO is calling for peaceful and lawful demonstrations.
SANTACO said it recognises concerns around illegal immigration but has expressed concern over suggestions that demonstrations may interfere with transport operations or disrupt economic activity. Spokesperson, Rebecca Phala said such actions will have unintended consequences for the transport, tourism, trade and other industries.
“Such consequences may ultimately affect ordinary South Africans, transport operators, small businesses, and communities whose livelihoods depend on a stable and functioning economy. SANTACO therefore urges all stakeholders to ensure that any demonstrations, campaigns, or advocacy efforts remain firmly within the confines of the law and are conducted in a manner that respects the rights, safety, and dignity of all people,” said Phala.
