South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that South Africans are inherently xenophobic, stressing that intolerance and hostility towards foreign nationals have no place in the country.
His comments come amid growing concerns over recent attacks and tensions involving foreign nationals living in South Africa, developments that have prompted several African countries, including Ghana, to take measures to protect their citizens.
Addressing the nation on Sunday, June 7, Ramaphosa sought to reassure both South Africans and the international community that the country’s values remain rooted in tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence.
While acknowledging concerns over incidents targeting foreign nationals, the South African leader insisted that such actions do not reflect the character or beliefs of the majority of South Africans.
“We know that South Africans are not xenophobic, as there is no space for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia, or any other form of intolerance in South Africa,” he said.
Ramaphosa urged citizens not to turn against foreigners living in the country, warning against attempts by some groups to exploit public frustrations for their own interests.
“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 experienced periodic outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence over the years, often linked to concerns about unemployment, crime, competition for economic opportunities, and broader socio-economic challenges.
The recent incidents have drawn criticism from several African governments and renewed calls for stronger protection of migrants and foreign nationals residing in the country.
Ghana is among the countries that have responded to the latest wave of attacks by facilitating the return of some of its citizens. The government has been undertaking evacuation and repatriation efforts for nationals who have expressed fears for their safety following the escalation of violence targeting foreigners.
