Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the country's kings and queens to help calm tensions over illegal immigration
Image: GCIS
As the country braces for tense anti illegal immigration protests on June 30, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the country's kings and queens to help calm tensions over illegal immigration and discourage violence against foreign nationals.
Addressing a meeting of traditional monarchs on Saturday, attended by kings, queens and royal representatives from across the country, Ramaphosa said growing public concern over illegal immigration must not be allowed to fuel xenophobia or lawlessness.
He urged traditional leaders to use their influence to promote peace and stability, saying the responsibility for enforcing immigration laws rests with the state, not private citizens.
"Migration is not the cause of our problems, but it is something that we must manage constructively and collectively. We must do so while always holding firm to our Constitutional principles and shared values," Ramaphosa said
"We are mindful that the recent mobilisation against foreign nationals carries real risks for our communities and for our country. Unrest, violence and intimidation tear at the social fabric of our communities".
He also said that "they endanger lives and they damage the standing and the reputation our country has worked hard to build", adding "we have seen how some other African countries have raised concerns about the mobilisation of anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa".
"When I addressed the nation on the 7th of June to outline government’s Comprehensive Approach to Managing Migration, I said that every person within our borders must be here lawfully".
"I said that responsibility for enforcing our laws rests with the state, and that no individual may stop another to demand documentation or proof of nationality. I said that there is no place for racism, sexism, tribalism, xenophobia, Afrophobia or any other form of intolerance".
Ramaphosa said the government was strengthening border security, cracking down on violations of immigration and labour laws, and rooting out corruption in the immigration system.
"As the traditional sovereigns of many of our people, as leaders who command deep trust and moral authority, you are well placed to speak out against intolerance and instability," Ramaphosa.
"You can use your standing to calm tensions, resolve disputes through dialogue and prevent communities from being mobilised for violence and disorder. Through the spirit of Ubuntu that you embody and protect, you can remind our people that we are defined by our humanity towards one another".
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