South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday rejected suggestions that South Africans are xenophobic, saying recent attacks on foreign nationals should not define the country or its people.
Speaking in a special national address, Ramaphosa said South Africa remained committed to tolerance, diversity and peaceful coexistence despite growing concern over incidents involving immigrants in parts of the country.
His remarks come as several African countries, including Ghana, have taken steps to safeguard their citizens following reports of attacks on foreign nationals and rising tensions in South Africa.
“We know that South Africans are not xenophobic, as there is no space for xenophobia, for racism, for sexism, for Afrophobia, or any other form of intolerance in South Africa,” Ramaphosa said.
The president urged citizens not to allow frustrations over economic and social challenges to be directed at immigrants.
“As communities and as a society, we must not be tempted to join those who want us to turn against people who were not born in South Africa and who are in our midst,” he said.
“We will and must not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise our country through inciting lawlessness and violence.”
South Africa has witnessed periodic outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence over the past two decades, often fuelled by concerns over unemployment, crime and economic hardship. The incidents have drawn criticism from across Africa and prompted repeated calls for stronger protection of migrants.
In response to the latest tensions, Ghanaian authorities have begun assisting citizens who wish to return home, launching evacuation and repatriation efforts for nationals concerned about their safety.
Ramaphosa said intolerance and discrimination had no place in South African society and called for unity as the country confronts its social and economic challenges.
