South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed for calm ahead of planned nationwide protests against 'undocumented immigration', warning that while citizens have a constitutional right to demonstrate, acts of violence, intimidation and vigilantism will not be tolerated.
In a statement released on Monday, ahead of protests scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, Ramaphosa acknowledged that many South Africans have expressed serious concerns over illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates exploiting the country's immigration system and the impact of these challenges on local communities.
His comments come amid anger in the African continent over widespread Xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The attacks have led to killings, destruction and forced a number of African countries to commence evacuation of their citizens.
"Tomorrow, 30 June, marks the date that several groupings have identified for protests against undocumented immigration in South Africa,” he said.
"South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities. These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard."
