JOHANNESBURG, June 8 (Xinhua) -- South Africans from across society have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's latest stance on illegal migration, saying his call for stricter immigration enforcement, coupled with a firm rejection of xenophobia and vigilantism, reflects growing public demand for a lawful and humane approach to one of the country's most contentious issues.
In an address on Sunday, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government's determination to tackle undocumented migration while condemning acts of xenophobia and vigilantism targeting foreign nationals in several communities across the country.
Responding to the speech, residents in Johannesburg and surrounding areas, including communities that have recently experienced anti-immigration protests, said the president acknowledged public concerns about illegal migration while making it clear that violence and intimidation against migrants are unacceptable.
"South Africa has always been a welcoming country, but there must also be order and compliance with the law," said Masixole Madaleni, a resident of Daveyton, adding that "the message recognized both realities."
Small business owner Masiluve Maswana from Ekurhuleni echoed the sentiment, saying: "Those who enter the country legally and contribute positively should be treated with dignity, but the authorities must also deal decisively with illegal activities linked to undocumented migration."
Ongeziwe Ndabeni, a teacher in Benoni, welcomed Ramaphosa's emphasis on strengthening institutions. "A rules-based approach can help reduce tensions while ensuring that South Africa fulfills its humanitarian responsibilities," she said.
In his speech, Ramaphosa reiterated that xenophobia and vigilantism have no place in South Africa, urging citizens not to take the law into their own hands and stressing that law enforcement agencies should address immigration-related issues within the framework of the law.
Foreign nationals living in South Africa said the president's remarks provided reassurance during a period of heightened tensions.
"It was encouraging to hear the president say that ordinary people do not have the right to stop, search, or intimidate others based on suspicions about their immigration status," said Tendai Moyo, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur who has lived in Johannesburg for more than a decade.
Jean-Claude Mukendi, a trader from the Democratic Republic of the Congo living in Pretoria, said Ramaphosa's condemnation of attacks against foreign nationals sent an important message.
"People may have concerns about illegal migration, but innocent individuals should not be subjected to harassment or attacks," Mukendi said. "The rule of law must apply to everyone."
Raymond Rutendo Mafunga, director of Johannesburg-based immigration consultancy Ruemaf Development Projects, said the speech reflected a necessary balance.
"Many South Africans have been demanding stronger action on illegal migration for years," Mafunga said. "What stood out was the recognition that the state must enforce the law while ensuring that communities do not take the law into their own hands."
Ramaphosa also acknowledged that illegal migration poses challenges for South Africa's security, economic development, and service delivery systems. However, he cautioned against blaming migrants for the country's broader socio-economic problems or allowing public frustration to fuel xenophobia and violence.
"These concerns are real. They deserve to be heard. They deserve to be addressed," the president said.
The president also noted that migration is a global challenge that requires collective action and South Africa will continue working with regional partners through the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to address the root causes of migration, including poverty, conflict, and limited economic opportunities. ■