RismadarVoice Reporters, May 7, 2026
South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed for calm, cooperation, and regional solidarity amid growing concerns surrounding foreign nationals living in the country.
In a video message released on Wednesday, Ramaphosa rejected claims that South Africans are hostile toward foreigners, insisting that the country’s people have a long history of coexistence and shared identity with other African nations.
“South Africans are inherently not against people from other nations. We are one people and have always been one people,” the president said.
His remarks come at a time of increasing debate over immigration, public safety, and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa, issues that have sparked tensions in some communities.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that the government faces the difficult task of addressing citizens’ concerns while also ensuring the safety and dignity of migrants and foreign residents within the country.
“We must pay attention to the security of people from other countries living in South Africa, while also listening to the concerns being raised by South Africans,” he stated.
The president revealed that he had held discussions with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on the issue, with both leaders agreeing on the importance of working together to find lasting solutions.
According to Ramaphosa, migration-related challenges are not unique to South Africa and require a broader continental response involving cooperation among African nations.
“This is not a problem affecting only one country,” he said. “Countries whose citizens are living in South Africa are also impacted, just as South Africa is affected. We need to work together and join hands in finding solutions.”
The South African leader emphasised that collaboration, dialogue, and mutual understanding remain essential to maintaining stability and strengthening relations among African countries.
