WATCH | Rise Mzansi warns against targeting foreign nationals amid tensions

Johannesburg – Rise Mzansi has warned South Africans against taking the law into their own hands amid rising tensions over illegal immigration, saying such actions could land citizens in legal trouble.

Party leader Songezo Zibi said the country’s immigration challenges are the result of poor law enforcement, weak border controls and corruption, rather than ordinary citizens acting out of frustration.

Speaking in Johannesburg, Zibi said public anger over undocumented migrants competing for jobs and services is understandable, but stressed that unlawful actions such as blocking access to services or targeting foreign nationals are not justified.

Rise Mzansi has warned against violence against individuals believed to be illegal immigrants in the country.

The party is briefing the media in Johannesburg on a number of issues, including the upcoming local government elections.#KayaNews #RiseMzansi SM pic.twitter.com/Qr22TUPZwl

— Kaya News (@KayaNews) June 8, 2026

He cautioned that while frustrations are real, citizens must not “find themselves on the wrong side of the law,” adding that responsibility for fixing the crisis lies with government.

Zibi called for a stronger, better-functioning immigration system, including tighter border security and faster processing of asylum applications.

His remarks come as protests and tensions over illegal immigration continue in parts of the country, alongside calls for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by the end of June.