By Tumi Makgobotloane
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation at 6pm tonight, with his address likely to focus on government’s response to illegal migration and the recent surge in protests against foreign nationals across South Africa.
The move comes as tensions continue to rise in several communities, where residents have been calling for stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals.
Last month, March & March movement led an anti-foreigner demonstration in Pinetown, Durban, demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws. At the same time, a group of foreign nationals camped outside the Diakonia Centre in Durban’s CBD, saying they feared for their safety and were seeking protection. Police closely monitored the area during the march to maintain law and order.
Protest groups in different parts of the country have since set a deadline of 30 June for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa, with some threatening a nationwide shutdown if their demands are not met. Government has rejected those calls, insisting that immigration matters will be handled through legal and constitutional processes.
Meanwhile, the Activists and Citizens Forum says the country is facing a growing crisis related to undocumented migration and has called on President Ramaphosa to provide leadership on the issue.
In a statement issued today, spokesperson Dennis Bloem said the organisation had previously warned the President that tensions surrounding undocumented migration were escalating and could pose risks to public safety if not addressed urgently.
“The tension has reached boiling point all over the country,” Bloem said, adding that growing protests and demonstrations were a sign that public frustration was increasing.
The forum has called on government to strengthen border management and address concerns around illegal migration before the situation deteriorates further.
Picture: Mathew’s Baloy/Independent Newspapers Archives
South Africans will be watching closely to see what measures government announces and how it plans to respond to one of the country’s most debated and sensitive issues.
Komati News Flash will provide updates and key points from the President’s address as they become available.
