South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed an ultimatum issued by anti-illegal immigration groups demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country by 30 June, insisting that immigration challenges are being addressed through lawful government processes.
Speaking on the sidelines of Youth Day commemorations at Nasrec Expo Centre last week, President Ramaphosa warned against actions that could undermine stability and stressed that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state.
The deadline was set by anti-illegal immigration organisations, including the March and March movement, which has called on undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by the end of June and threatened further action should its demands not be met.
However, the South African government has distanced itself from the ultimatum, maintaining that issues relating to immigration and border management must be handled through established legal and institutional channels.
“The so-called 30th of June, in my view, is not an event that is even necessary because we are addressing the challenges that our people are facing,” President Ramaphosa said.
He noted that measures already introduced by government to strengthen immigration management and address public concerns have been positively received by many South Africans.
According to the President, government remains committed to implementing practical solutions while ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and the rights of all people are respected.
President Ramaphosa also urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands, emphasising that maintaining public order and enforcing immigration laws are responsibilities that rest with state institutions.
His remarks come amid ongoing debate in South Africa over immigration, border security and the socio-economic pressures facing communities, with government seeking to balance enforcement measures with constitutional and legal obligations.
