South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens planning anti-immigration demonstrations on June 30 to protest peacefully and within the law.
He warned that violence, intimidation and vigilantism have no place in the country’s constitutional democracy.
In a message to the nation titled “Protest is both a right and a responsibility,” Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns over undocumented immigration, border management and pressure on public services.
“South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities. These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard,” he said.
The South African leader said the right to protest was protected by the constitution but warned that democratic freedoms did not permit threats, vandalism or violence.
“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. But the right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” Ramaphosa said.
The president said the government had accepted the need for substantial reforms to the immigration system and was strengthening border management, improving asylum and visa processes, increasing enforcement against undocumented migration and tackling corruption.
Ramaphosa revealed that consultations with traditional leaders, labour unions, business groups and religious organisations had produced broad support for government efforts and reinforced calls for tolerance and adherence to the rule of law.
He added that while citizens had a constitutional right to demonstrate, criminal acts committed during protests would not be tolerated.