President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses concerns over illegal immigration during a meeting with faith-based organisations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, emphasising that deeper issues like unemployment and corruption are the root causes of South Africa’s economic challenges.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed back against growing claims that illegal immigration is responsible for South Africa’s social and economic challenges, arguing that the country’s problems stem from deeper issues such as unemployment, poverty, crime and corruption.
Addressing a special meeting with faith-based organisations at the Union Buildings on Wednesday, Ramaphosa acknowledged widespread public concern over migration and illegal immigration but cautioned against using migrants as scapegoats for the country’s struggles.
“These concerns are real. They need to be heard and to be addressed,” Ramaphosa said.
He noted that concerns about migration have intensified amid persistently high unemployment, poverty, pressure on public services and rising crime levels in many communities.
