Hosa says the government will intensify efforts to curb illegal immigration while warning there is no place for xenophobia in South Africa.

The president addressed the nation this evening on migration and border management amid growing concerns over illegal immigration. President Ramaphosa has sought to reassure South Africans that the government is taking action.

“Firstly, we are and will continue to crack down on the violation of our immigration, labor, and other laws. Secondly, we will continue to prevent people from entering the country irregularly and illegally. Thirdly, we are and will continue to stamp out corruption in our immigration system. Fourthly, we will strengthen our immigration laws and policies.”

The address comes amid growing tensions following protests against undocumented foreign nationals in Daveyton this week, as well as planned demonstrations by the March and March Movement, which have threatened nationwide marches on 30 June.

On Friday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet had approved the strategy that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration has developed.

Ramaphosa says South Africa cannot tackle migration challenges alone and has called for greater cooperation across the continent.

The president says that while the country will work to tighten immigration laws and policies, he will be sending envoys to other countries to work on a combined solution.

“Through SADC, the African Union, and our bilateral relations with other countries, we will seek to find sustainable solutions to these challenges. As part of this effort, I will be sending envoys to a number of sister African countries to outline the measures that we are announcing this evening and to deal comprehensively with the issue of migration in cooperation with those countries.”

Ramaphosa says government will strengthen border security, not as an act of hostility, but as a necessity for a sovereign and well-governed state. He says authorities will continue investing in technology, infrastructure, and personnel to secure South Africa’s borders while also facilitating legitimate trade, travel, and economic activity.

Ramaphosa further noted that refugee reception centers will be relocated to border posts in phases, starting with the Tshwane center later this year.

The president said many countries locate asylum reception facilities near points of entry, adding that the relocation aims to ensure that applications are processed more quickly, safely, and fairly.