Ramaphosa Blames Corruption, Fake Marriages For South Africa’s Migration Tensions
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Cyril Ramaphosa has defended South Africa’s immigration policies while strongly condemning xenophobia and violence against foreign nationals. The South African president said some citizens are contributing to the country’s migration challenges through corrupt practices and the exploitation of undocumented migrants.
In a statement released by the presidency on Monday, Ramaphosa accused certain South Africans of helping undocumented migrants gain access to public benefits through illegal arrangements, including fraudulent marriages and unlawful housing deals. He also criticised individuals who accept bribes to help foreign nationals obtain government services.
According to the president, these actions worsen social tensions and place additional pressure on the country’s immigration system. He further alleged that undocumented migrants are often employed as cheap labour in households and informal businesses, a practice he said fuels the broader crisis.
Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa remains committed to African unity and regional cooperation despite growing public concerns over undocumented migration. He warned against actions capable of damaging the country’s reputation or weakening its long-standing ties with other African nations.
The South African leader maintained that since the end of apartheid in 1994, the country has upheld policies centred on human rights and continental integration. He noted that refugees in South Africa are allowed to live within communities, work, study and access healthcare services rather than being restricted to refugee camps.
He also highlighted South Africa’s role in regional economic activity, revealing that the majority of tourists who entered the country last year came from other African nations. Ramaphosa added that South Africa continues to host students, academics and institutions from across the continent, including the Pan-African Parliament.
While acknowledging that undocumented migration remains a difficult global issue, the president insisted that South Africa has the right to protect its borders and enforce immigration laws in line with national interests.
Ramaphosa further declared that xenophobia, ethnic division and violence would not be tolerated, adding that both citizens and foreign nationals are expected to obey the country’s laws equally.
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