'No African is illegal' as groups hit back at migrant crackdown calls

As the 30 June 'deadline' approaches, a social media-driven claim that has circulated suggesting foreign nationals should leave the country by that date, despite there being no official government policy or legal directive behind it, organisations across South Africa are increasingly speaking out against rising anti-immigrant sentiments.

Human rights groups and civil society bodies warn that the narrative has fuelled fear, misinformation and tension in some communities, urging the public to reject inflammatory rhetoric and instead uphold constitutional protections and human dignity for all who live in the country.

The University of Cape Town's Refugee Rights Unit has issued a strong condemnation of recent developments, warning against violence and scapegoating.

It further stressed that economic hardship cannot be used to justify hostility towards migrants and refugees.

"While South Africa continues to face severe socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, and systemic inequality, using migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers as scapegoats for these systemic failures is unjust and unacceptable."

Reiterating its stance on lawfulness and accountability, the Unit added that enforcement must remain in the hands of the state.

"We are firmly of the view, and agree with President Ramaphosa, that the burden of enforcing immigration laws lies solely with the authorised branches of the state, not with vigilantism or mob rule."

In a statement outlining its position on migration management, the Presidency emphasised the need for lawful and orderly approaches while firmly rejecting vigilante behaviour and discrimination.

'Managing Migration Together,' the statement noted, underscoring a coordinated state response rather than community enforcement.

It also set out clear boundaries on conduct that will not be tolerated. "What we cannot accept," the Presidency stated, "includes unauthorised people demanding documentation or proof of nationality, blocking access to clinics, hospitals, schools or other public services, violence and intimidation against foreign nationals, racism, sexism, xenophobia, Afrophobia and any other form of intolerance."

The statement further warned against the spread of harmful narratives and exploitation, adding: “We cannot accept misinformation, incitement and fake news spread on social media, and employers exploiting undocumented workers.”

Public debate has also been amplified by political voices, including Thuthukile Zuma, who challenged the language allegedly used to describe migrants in Africa.

"No African is illegal in Africa," she said. "If you believe that an African can be illegal in Africa then you are not a revolutionary. We must reject the notion of an illegal foreigner. Africans can be undocumented, but they cannot be illegal."

Nolubabalo Mcinga, president of the Azania Movement, called for a structured approach to migration that balances economic participation with regulation.

"Our position is clear as Azania Movement, those African Nationals who contribute to the economy must be properly documented, protected under the law, and fully integrated into systems of taxation, labour regulation, and municipal governance just like we do to Indian people," she said.

She drew a historical comparison to South Africa's Indian community, noting their long journey from indentured labourers to full citizens.

"Indian people were brought to South Africa in the 1860s as indentured labourers and later traders who settled permanently. Despite facing segregation under colonialism and apartheid, they eventually became full South African citizens after 1994, with equal rights under the democratic Constitution," she said.

She also questioned current migration approaches and economic inclusion, calling for practical solutions to unemployment and housing pressures.

"What's stopping us to the African nationals giving our people jobs the government can't give and pay rent to our unemployed people for their rooms and buildings?" she added.

The killing of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo in Mossel Bay, Western Cape in recent weeks, has become part of a broader wave of tension and misinformation surrounding alleged xenophobic unrest and anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa.

In the same broader period of violence in the Western Cape, two Mozambican nationals were also killed during unrest in separate incidents linked to rising tensions in informal settlements. Mozambican authorities later confirmed that citizens had been affected by a series of violent episodes in South Africa, prompting concern from regional governments and civil society groups over the safety of migrant communities.

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