South Africans Are Not Xenophobic – Ramaphosa
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected assertions that South Africans are inherently xenophobic, stressing that intolerance and hostility toward foreign nationals have no place in the country.
His remarks come against the backdrop of renewed tensions and reported attacks on foreign nationals, developments that have raised alarm across the African continent and prompted countries such as Ghana to take measures to safeguard their citizens.
Addressing the nation in a special broadcast on Sunday, June 7, President Ramaphosa sought to reassure both citizens and the international community that South Africa remains committed to the principles of tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence.
While acknowledging growing concerns over recent incidents, the president maintained that such acts do not reflect the character or values of the broader South African population.
“We know that South Africans are not xenophobic, as there is no space for xenophobia, for racism, for sexism, for Afrophobia, or any other form of intolerance in South Africa,” he stated.
He cautioned against attempts by certain groups to exploit legitimate socio-economic frustrations to incite division and violence.
“As communities and as a society, we must not be tempted to join those who want us to turn against people who were not born in South Africa and who are in our midst. We will and must not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise our country through inciting lawlessness and violence,” he added.
South Africa has, over the years, experienced periodic outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence, often linked to high unemployment, crime, and competition for limited resources amid broader economic pressures.
These incidents have repeatedly drawn condemnation from governments and stakeholders across Africa, with renewed calls for stronger protections for migrants.
In response to the latest wave of tensions, Ghana has initiated evacuation and repatriation efforts to assist its nationals who have expressed fears for their safety. Authorities say the move is aimed at ensuring the protection and well-being of citizens affected by the unrest.
President Ramaphosa’s remarks are seen as part of broader efforts to calm tensions and reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to unity and inclusiveness, even as concerns over the safety of foreign nationals persist.
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