SA President Addresses Nationals Ahead of Planned June 30 Anti-immigration Protest
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation regarding the planned June 30 anti-immigration protests
- The president acknowledged that concerns regarding undocumented immigration and pressure on public services are real
- He warned citizens that taking the law into their own hands was vigilantism and would not be tolerated by law enforcement
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned citizens and organisers planning demonstrations against undocumented immigration.
Source: UGC
The president urged all participants to remember that constitutional rights must be exercised within the framework of the law.
In a statement shared ahead of the June 30 protests, President Ramaphosa noted that the country’s immigration system requires substantial reform, adding that the government is already taking steps to tighten border management and increase enforcement.
However, the president made it clear that private individuals do not have the authority to enforce immigration rules, and described acts of intimidation or forced identification as a form of vigilantism that has no place in the country.
President Ramaphosa stated:
"Freedom comes with responsibility. The right to protest is one of the defining freedoms of our democracy, but every right carries corresponding responsibilities. Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others."
Reactions to Ramaphosa's message about June 30
YEN.com.gh has compiled some reactions to the president's address below:
Bongiwe Mtshali wrote:
"After the 30th June everyday is going to be 30th of June✊."
Michael Worentetu commented:
"Can someone explain the meaning of this statement from the President... 🤔."
Tlhoriso Mashiloane stated:
"We are not protesting. We are protecting our future and our land🙌🇿🇦."
Jacinta makes massive U-turn about June 30
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that South African anti-immigrant activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma had sparked outrage on social media after appearing to disassociate March and March from the June 30 protest.
The movement, co-led by Ngizwe Mchunu and Nkosikhona Phakel'umthakathi Ndabandaba, has announced the date as the deadline for illegal immigrants to self-deport from South Africa or face the consequences.
Despite assurances from the government that no one would be harmed, Phakel'umthakathi was heard on video discouraging migrants from listening, insisting that the activist movement had all the power on the ground.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
