South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has issued a stern warning to groups planning nationwide protests against undocumented immigrants, stressing that while citizens have a constitutional right to protest, no one has the authority to intimidate, attack or unlawfully target foreign nationals under the guise of patriotism.
In his weekly message to the nation released on Monday ahead of the planned June 30 protests, Ramaphosa acknowledged widespread public frustration over illegal immigration but insisted that any grievances must be addressed within the framework of the country's Constitution and the rule of law.
"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," the president said.
"These concerns are real, and they deserve to be heard."
The president, however, warned that constitutional rights do not extend to threats, violence, or vigilantism.
