Ramaphosa Blames Criminal Networks For Xenophobic Violence Against Africans In South Africa
CYRIL Ramaphosa has condemned renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, describing the violence as criminality disguised as patriotism and warning that such actions threaten African unity, regional stability and economic cooperation across the continent.
The South African leader’s remarks followed growing reports of attacks, intimidation and forced evictions directed at migrants and foreign-owned businesses in parts of the country, amid worsening economic hardship, unemployment and rising social tensions.
Speaking against the backdrop of increasing anti-immigrant sentiment, Ramaphosa said criminal elements and opportunists were taking advantage of public frustrations to incite violence against other Africans living and working in South Africa.
Economic Pressure and Rising Social Anger
South Africa continues to grapple with deep economic challenges, including high unemployment, rising living costs, persistent inequality and pressure on public services. Analysts say these conditions have contributed to recurring waves of xenophobic violence over the years.
Although many South Africans blame undocumented migration for worsening economic competition, experts argue that structural economic problems, corruption, poor governance and inadequate service delivery remain the primary drivers of hardship.
Ramaphosa stressed that attacks on foreign nationals would not solve the country’s economic problems and warned that violence against migrants damages South Africa’s image as one of Africa’s leading democratic and economic powers.
According to him, criminal groups have increasingly manipulated local frustrations to justify looting, extortion and violent attacks under the guise of protecting local economic interests.
Fear Among African Migrants
The latest tensions have reportedly heightened fears among migrants from countries such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia and Ethiopia, many of whom operate small businesses in South African townships and urban communities.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly warned that xenophobic violence not only threatens lives and livelihoods but also weakens regional integration efforts championed by African leaders through bodies such as African Union and Southern African Development Community.
Observers note that South Africa’s economy has historically depended on migrant labour from neighbouring African countries, especially in sectors such as mining, construction, transport and informal trade.
Regional and Diplomatic Implications
Ramaphosa’s comments also come amid growing diplomatic sensitivity around the treatment of African migrants in South Africa.
Previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence triggered tensions between South Africa and several African countries, with some governments demanding stronger protections for their citizens.
Political analysts warn that continued attacks could undermine South Africa’s diplomatic influence on the continent and weaken efforts toward deeper African economic integration under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Security experts also caution that organised criminal networks may increasingly exploit anti-foreigner sentiments to expand illegal activities, including extortion rackets targeting migrant-owned businesses.
Calls for Stronger Action
Civil society groups have urged South African authorities to strengthen law enforcement responses, prosecute perpetrators of xenophobic violence and expand public education campaigns promoting tolerance and coexistence.
Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa remains committed to constitutional values, human rights and African solidarity, insisting that criminal attacks on foreign nationals have no place in the country’s democracy.
The president further called on communities to reject hate-driven mobilisation and support lawful approaches to addressing immigration and economic concerns.
The renewed debate around xenophobia once again highlights the broader challenge facing many African states: balancing economic pressure, migration management and social cohesion in an era of rising inequality and political uncertainty.
