The Presidency has cautioned against the spread of misinformation about South Africa’s migration challenges.

This is after the Head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Ghebreyesus, posted on X about recent ‘xenophobic’ attacks in South Africa, which he claimed had left 5 Ethiopian Nationals and 5 Mozambican Nationals dead.

It is profoundly heartbreaking to witness another surge of xenophobic violence in #SouthAfrica this week. Hundreds have marched on Parliament, thousands of families have been displaced, and lives have been tragically cut short.

These include at least five Ethiopians killed… pic.twitter.com/0W5nssBZI8

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 14, 2026

The Presidency has clarified that the deaths of the Ethiopian nationals in April are suspected to be linked to organised crime.

In addition, police have only confirmed the deaths of 2 Mozambican nationals in Mossel Bay.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says while one life lost is one too many, accurate information must be shared.

Magwenya says the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will engage the WHO to ensure that the information before them is both accurate and reliable.

“The engagements will outline in detail how this complex matter is being addressed by the South African government.”

Ghebreyesus also expressed in his post that to see South Africa turn to xenophobia is a “tragic betrayal of the country’s struggle for independence and freedom.”

Said Ghebreyesus:

“African nations stood united to dismantle apartheid. Ethiopia proudly supported “Madiba,” Nelson Mandela, in 1962 and issued him a passport so he could travel the continent. Other countries helped in many ways, including with political and financial support. Disagreements and grievances must be addressed by the justice system and the rule of law, never through vigilante violence and collective punishment.”

The Presidency says the loss of life in these recent incidents is deeply regrettable, and it has extended its deepest sympathies to the families and communities affected.

“President Ramaphosa and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration have been unequivocal in their stance: only duly authorised law enforcement officials have the mandate to enforce the law.”

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