Convener of March and March Movement in South Africa Fires Back at Ramaphosa As Immigration Debate Divides Residents

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has reacted sharply to remarks made by Cyril Ramaphosa after he publicly condemned violence, intimidation and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals living in South Africa.

Ramaphosa recently warned that growing hostility toward immigrants and undocumented foreigners risks fuelling xenophobic violence, damaging social stability and undermining the rule of law.

His comments came amid increasing public tensions over immigration, unemployment, crime and pressure on public services in several South African communities.

But Ngobese-Zuma strongly rejected the President’s position, accusing him of focusing more on protecting foreigners than addressing the hardships faced by millions of struggling South Africans.

She questioned what specific violence Ramaphosa was referring to and argued that ordinary citizens are being unfairly criticised while communities continue to battle poverty, joblessness and insecurity.

Her response reflects a broader and increasingly emotional national debate that has been building for years.

Across many parts of the country, residents have raised concerns about undocumented migration, weak border security and overcrowded public systems.

Community groups and activists often argue that illegal immigration contributes to unemployment, rising criminal activity, drug trafficking and increased pressure on hospitals, schools and housing.

At the same time, human rights organisations and government officials warn that frustration over immigration has, in the past, led to dangerous outbreaks of xenophobic violence.

South Africa has experienced several waves of attacks against foreign nationals over the last two decades, including deadly incidents in 2008, 2015 and 2019, when businesses owned by migrants were looted and people were assaulted or killed.

Government leaders fear that growing public anger, if left unmanaged, could once again escalate into vigilantism and lawlessness.

The issue has also become politically sensitive ahead of growing debates around leadership, national identity and economic inequality.

Political figures and parties are increasingly divided over how immigration should be handled, with some calling for stricter border enforcement and mass deportations, while others argue that constitutional rights and human dignity must remain protected regardless of nationality.

For many South Africans, the frustration runs deeper than immigration alone. Years of slow economic growth, record unemployment, electricity problems, corruption scandals and declining trust in institutions have intensified public anger.

Immigration has now become one of the most visible and emotionally charged symbols of those wider frustrations.

As tensions continue rising, South Africa finds itself caught between two powerful realities: citizens demanding urgent action on economic hardship and border control, and warnings that anger must not turn into violence against innocent people.

The debate is no longer just about immigration. It has become a national conversation about governance, accountability, identity, law enforcement and the future direction of the country.