President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is stepping up efforts to tackle illegal immigration, but he has issued a stern warning against xenophobia and vigilantism.

He was speaking during the Presidency Budget Vote debate in Parliament on Tuesday.

It comes amid a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment sweeping the country, with the group March and March, threatening to shut down the country on 30 June, demanding that all illegal immigrants leave South Africa by then.

Violence has already erupted in several areas and cities, with the deaths of two Mozambicans in Mossel Bay.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that migration into the country had become a challenge, but added that if it is managed and regulated, it can help drive growth and opportunity for South Africans.

However, he says that illegal migration puts pressure on public services and undermines efforts to create decent work.

“As announced in SONA, government is taking decisive action to address this challenge. We are cracking down on violations of immigration laws. We are increasing our inspections of workplaces and prosecuting employers who violate our labour laws. We are strengthening border security, stamping out corruption in the immigration system and closing the loopholes in fragmented immigration laws.”

The President has stressed that every person in South Africa – whether they are citizens or foreign nationals – must respect the country’s laws, and the rights of every person in our country must be upheld.

“We must never give in to violence, xenophobia or vigilantism. As a society, we must stand against all forms of disinformation, incitement, racism and ethnic mobilisation.”

Ramaphosa says laws will be strengthened and enforcement increased, while the Constitution is upheld to ensure the human dignity of all.

“This will enable us to deal with illegal immigration without turning against one another.”