Ramaphosa rejects calls for foreigners to leave SA before June 30

President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that the June 30 deadline imposed by anti-illegal immigration groups for undocumented foreign nationals to exit South Africa is unwarranted.

During the Youth Day commemorations at Nasrec on Tuesday, Ramaphosa emphasized that the government is already taking steps to tackle immigration issues and will not permit any actions that could destabilize the nation.

This deadline was established by anti-illegal immigration organizations, including the March and March movement, which has demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by June 30 and has threatened further actions if their demands are not fulfilled.

However, the government has distanced itself from this ultimatum, asserting that immigration enforcement is a matter for the state to handle.

Ramaphosa remarked, “The so-called 30th of June, in my opinion, is not an event that is even necessary because we are addressing the challenges that our people are facing.”

He noted that the measures introduced by the government have been largely embraced by South Africans as significant and effective immediate actions.

Ramaphosa urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, reiterating that immigration enforcement is the duty of government officials.

“No South African should take any action against individuals from any of our African sister countries. That responsibility lies with the government and its officials,” he stated.

He cautioned that authorities would not accept any attempts to incite instability under the pretext of addressing illegal immigration concerns.