WATCH | No violence, no denial: Ramaphosa’s message on foreign nationals’ rights

Ramaphosa

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa used his State of the Nation Address to take a firm stance on immigration, pledging tougher enforcement while warning against violence and unlawful actions targeting foreign nationals.

Cyril Ramaphosa said illegal immigration threatens South Africa’s security, stability and economic progress, and announced plans to strengthen border controls through increased funding, upgraded infrastructure, expanded surveillance technology, and public-private partnerships at key border posts.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation system will also be extended to all international airports and major land ports of entry.

He said police, Home Affairs officials and labour inspectors will intensify efforts to curb immigration and labour law violations, warning that employers hiring undocumented foreign nationals will face legal consequences.

Government also plans to recruit 10,000 additional labour inspectors this year.

“Employers who hire foreign nationals without the required permits or visas will face the full force of the law,” he said.

“To tighten enforcement, we will hire an additional 10,000 labour inspectors this year.

“As we undertake these interventions, we insist that the laws of our country must be observed by everyone.”

At the same time, Ramaphosa cautioned communities against vigilantism, stressing that no foreign national should be unlawfully denied access to public facilities such as schools and healthcare services, and that violence and lawlessness will not be tolerated.

“We will not tolerate violence and acts of lawlessness directed at foreigners. No foreign national should be unlawfully barred from accessing public facilities including health facilities and schools,” he said.

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