Ramaphosa fires back at Africa: South Africa is no xenophobic state, stop the narrative

President Cyril Ramaphosa has forcefully rejected mounting accusations of xenophobia, declaring that South Africa will not accept what he described as a damaging and misleading narrative spreading across the continent.

In a bold message to African nations, Ramaphosa insisted that isolated incidents of violence against foreign nationals are being exaggerated, stressing that they do not define South Africa’s identity or its long-standing commitment to African unity.

His remarks come as outrage grows in several countries over the treatment of migrants, with critics accusing South Africa of failing to protect fellow Africans.

But Ramaphosa doubled down, positioning his country as a defender of continental solidarity while warning against generalizations that could fracture diplomatic ties.