Xenophobic attacks shameful, South African President Ramaphosa admits

14.8.2026
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has admitted that his kinsmen’s treatment of African migrants was shameful.
Speaking ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) head of states summit, Ramaphosa whose government was seemly powerless to stop attacks on migrants said the violence by vigilante groups on foreigners was deeply concerning adding that South African cannot be preaching integration at summits and then practice exclusion at home.
Between June and July over 50, 000 migrants were forced out South Africa as violent mobs attacked business owners. Many migrants lost their lives in the attacks.
“We cannot submit to the intimidation and harassment of people seen as coming from elsewhere (other countries),” Ramaphosa said
“As South Africans we are deeply concerned and ashamed that nationals from other countries have in recent months been subjected to discrimination and ill-treatment and were even forced to leave the country under threat of violence.”
Anti-immigrant groups and some politicians accuse migrants of committing crimes, crowding social services and taking jobs and economic opportunities meant for citizens.
“The criminal actions of a few within our communities are a repudiation of the solidarity upon which this Southern African (region) is built. We cannot preach integration at summits and practice exclusion in the streets of our countries,” Ramaphosa said at the lecture attended by some leaders from the Southern African bloc.
SADC is a regional intergovernmental organization composed of 16 member states whose aims include promoting sustainable economic development, peace and regional integration.
Ramaphosa told the gathering that the Southern African region was built by historic migrations that took place across the continent over the years.
“Southern Africa has borne witness to the movement of people over the millennia. Our people are the products of migration. Migration accounts for much of the diversity as well as the vibrancy and richness of this region,” he said.