Ramaphosa warns: Constitutional rights ‘cannot be determined by intimidation or ultimatums

Ramaphosa

Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for calm and adherence to the law ahead of planned nationwide protests on 30 June over undocumented immigration, saying while the right to demonstrate is protected, it must not descend into intimidation, vandalism or violence.

In his weekly newsletter released on Monday, Ramaphosa acknowledged growing public concern over illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services and alleged criminal syndicates exploiting the immigration system.

“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.

However, the President warned that constitutional rights must be exercised within the framework of the law.

“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. 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.

He stressed that South Africa remains a constitutional state governed by the rule of law, adding that grievances must be addressed through democratic institutions rather than ultimatums or coercion.

“South Africa is a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law. The exercise of rights by any citizen in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by intimidation, threats or ultimatums. It must be determined through democratic institutions, evidence and the rule of law,” he said.

Ramaphosa said government was already implementing reforms to address weaknesses in the immigration system, including tighter border controls and action against corruption.

“Government has accepted that our immigration system requires substantial reform. We are strengthening border management, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of the asylum and visa systems, and taking action against corruption that has weakened immigration control,” he said.

He added that authorities would act decisively against those who break the law during protest action.

Painful history of pass laws

“Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course,” Ramaphosa said.

The President also warned against vigilante-style enforcement of immigration laws by members of the public, referencing South Africa’s apartheid-era pass laws.

“The painful history of the pass laws reminds us why the authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law-enforcement officers acting within the Constitution—not to private individuals. Whatever the motivation, taking the law into one’s own hands is vigilantism and has no place in our constitutional democracy,” he said.

He further urged organisers of the planned demonstrations to ensure that protests remain peaceful, welcoming commitments from some groups that they would avoid violence.

“Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others,” Ramaphosa said.

The President said government had engaged traditional leaders, business, labour, religious groups and civil society organisations in recent weeks as part of efforts to build consensus on migration reform and social stability.

He concluded by calling for unity in addressing South Africa’s challenges without undermining constitutional order.

“Let us protect both our borders and our Constitution, both our security and our humanity. We are capable of doing both, and we must,” he said.

Picture: X/@GovernmentZA

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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