South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens not to blame foreign nationals for the country’s unemployment, crime and service delivery challenges.
He made the remarks on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during a Youth Day speech commemorating the 1976 Soweto uprising against apartheid.
His comments came after weeks of anti-immigrant unrest in parts of South Africa.
In recent weeks, groups of South Africans armed with sticks, whips and shields have marched through some communities demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country by June 30.
“There are some who blame the problems of the current government, of unemployment and crime and poor service delivery, on foreign nationals,” Ramaphosa said.
“Even as we recognise the challenge of illegal immigration… which we are taking decisive action to address, our problems are… our own problems, and which we have a responsibility to fix ourselves,” he added.
Ramaphosa Rejects Scapegoating
South Africa is one of Africa’s largest economies and has long attracted migrant workers from across the continent.
Some migrants enter and work legally, while others lack regular immigration status.
Ramaphosa said South Africa must address illegal immigration through lawful government action.
However, he warned that the country’s deeper economic and governance problems cannot be solved by targeting vulnerable people.
Youth unemployment stands at 42 percent, compared with 32 percent for the overall workforce, according to the president.
He said government was working to create jobs and urged the private sector to offer first-time opportunities to young people without work experience.
“Addressing these challenges does require practical solutions, not the scapegoating of vulnerable people,” Ramaphosa said.
Warning Against Destabilisation
Speaking after the Youth Day ceremony, Ramaphosa also warned those promoting marches against undocumented migrants.
He said some groups appeared to be trying to destabilise the country.
“There does seem to be an intention to destabilise the country, and the clear message is that we are not going to allow that,” he said.
His remarks followed growing security concerns after businesses were looted and foreign nationals were targeted in some areas.
The unrest has prompted citizens of Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to accept voluntary repatriation organised by their governments.
More Than Three Million Foreigners in South Africa
According to South Africa’s national statistics agency, more than three million foreigners live in the country.
They account for about 5.1 percent of the population.
Migration has remained one of South Africa’s most sensitive political issues, especially during periods of high unemployment and weak public services.
Ramaphosa said the government recognises the challenge of illegal immigration.
But he insisted that enforcement must remain within the law and should not become a platform for violence, intimidation or xenophobia.