President Ramaphosa Tells Durban Gala Audience Illegal Migration Cannot Justify Vigilantism

Ramaphosa Warns Against Vigilantism Amid Illegal Immigration Tensions

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned South Africans against using concerns about illegal immigration as justification for looting, violence, property destruction and vigilantism, insisting that public order and the rule of law must be respected at all times.

Ramaphosa delivered the message while addressing the 170th Annual Gala Dinner of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he reassured business leaders, investors and local stakeholders that the government remained committed to protecting lives, businesses and critical infrastructure.

The president acknowledged that citizens had the right to raise concerns about illegal immigration, border security and socio-economic challenges affecting their communities. However, he stressed that such grievances must be expressed through lawful and peaceful means rather than actions that threaten public safety and economic stability.

He warned that physical attacks, intimidation and destruction of commercial property would not be tolerated, emphasising that businesses and individuals must be able to operate in a safe and stable environment.

His remarks come amid tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and community protests in KwaZulu-Natal, where questions have been raised about the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel under Operation Prosper.

Critics and some community representatives have expressed concerns that the military deployment could affect citizens exercising their constitutional rights to protest, question government policies and raise complaints about inadequate municipal service delivery.

However, the presidency has maintained that the 510 deployed military personnel are supporting the South African Police Service (SAPS) in maintaining public safety and preventing criminal activities.

The joint security operation is intended to protect critical infrastructure and deter individuals who exploit community tensions to commit offences, including theft, arson and violence.

Ramaphosa’s message highlights the government’s challenge of balancing legitimate public concerns about immigration with the need to prevent lawlessness and protect constitutional rights.

While citizens remain entitled to question border policies and demand better service delivery, the president’s position is that these concerns cannot justify criminal conduct.

His remarks also serve as reassurance to businesses that the government intends to maintain conditions necessary for investment, commercial activity and public safety amid growing community tensions.

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