South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has sought to strike a delicate balance ahead of planned nationwide protests over illegal immigration, acknowledging that public concerns are legitimate while insisting that any demonstrations remain peaceful and within the bounds of the law.
In a statement issued on the eve of the June 30 march, Ramaphosa said South Africans' concerns over undocumented immigration, border management, pressure on public services and criminal syndicates exploiting the country's immigration system "are real and they deserve to be heard."
His remarks come as several groups prepare to stage demonstrations calling for tougher action against illegal immigration, an issue that has become increasingly divisive amid concerns over unemployment, crime and strained public services.
While affirming citizens' constitutional right to protest, the president warned that violence, intimidation and vigilantism would not be tolerated.
"The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence," he said, adding that the authority to enforce immigration laws rests solely with state law enforcement agencies.
