South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged decisive action against perpetrators of xenophobic attacks, reaffirming his government’s commitment to protecting the rights of foreign nationals amid growing concerns over violence targeting migrants.
The assurance comes as the Government of Ghana intensifies efforts to evacuate its citizens from South Africa following the latest wave of attacks, with approximately 1,000 Ghanaians expected to be repatriated in phases.
Addressing members of the Pan-African Parliament, President Ramaphosa described the attacks as “sad and abhorrent,” expressing regret over the loss of lives and injuries recorded during the violence.
He acknowledged that while public concerns over illegal migration exist, they cannot justify acts of intimidation, vigilantism or violence against foreign nationals.
“These incidents have been quite sad and abhorrent, where people have been injured and some people have died and lost their lives, which we as South Africa deeply regret and mourn,” Ramaphosa said.
According to the South African leader, the attacks have been fuelled partly by misinformation and prejudice, although they also reflect genuine concerns among some citizens about the social and economic impact of illegal migration.
Despite these concerns, he stressed that his administration would not tolerate xenophobia or any form of violence directed at foreign nationals.
“As the South African government, I want to make it clear we have taken a firm stance against any form of intimidation, vigilantism or violence directed at people from other countries. We have taken a firm stand against hatred for people from other countries, xenophobia or Afrophobia,” he stated.
Ramaphosa further disclosed that his government has strengthened the enforcement of existing laws to ease tensions, maintain public order and ensure that the rights of everyone within South Africa’s borders including foreign nationals are protected.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that nearly 1,000 Ghanaians will be airlifted from South Africa in batches, with the first group expected to arrive in Accra on Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27.
The evacuation forms part of the government’s emergency response to ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals following the renewed xenophobic attacks.
