South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with leaders of the anti-migrant protest movement to discuss concerns surrounding migration, law enforcement, and public demonstrations in the country.
According to a statement from the The Presidency of South Africa, President Ramaphosa held a meeting on Monday, June 29, 2026, with leaders of Insizwa Nobunsizwa, Ngizwe Mchunu, and Nkosikhona Ndabandaba.
During the meeting, Ramaphosa acknowledged the concerns raised by the groups but emphasized that the constitutional right to protest must always be exercised within the limits of the law.
The President reminded the leaders that while citizens have the right to express their views through demonstrations, protests must remain peaceful and must not involve violence, intimidation, or actions that threaten public safety.
“While the right to protest is protected, it comes with the responsibility to respect the law and ensure that protests remain peaceful,” the Presidency said in the statement.
The discussions focused largely on migration issues, which have become a major topic of public debate in South Africa. Some groups have raised concerns about undocumented migration, employment opportunities, and pressure on public services.
Ramaphosa told the protest leaders that the South African government recognizes the challenges linked to migration and is already working on measures to strengthen the management of migration systems.
The President also stressed that the government remains the only institution with the legal authority to enforce migration laws, including decisions regarding immigration control, deportations, and border management.
“The government is addressing the issue of migration and remains the sole authority responsible for enforcing migration laws,” the Presidency stated.
The meeting comes amid increased tensions in parts of South Africa over migration, with some community groups calling for stricter immigration controls. The government has repeatedly warned against xenophobia and attacks targeting foreign nationals, saying such actions undermine the rule of law and social stability.
South Africa hosts millions of migrants from different African countries and beyond, with many contributing to sectors such as business, trade, construction, agriculture, and services. However, migration remains a politically sensitive issue due to economic challenges, unemployment, and competition for limited resources.
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