By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens to keep a cool and calm head during the anti-immigrants protests which will be taking place on 30 June. He highlighted that even though many citizens hold the constitutional right to hold protests, that freedom of expression does not allow people to be threatened or to engage in acts of violence. 

“We also recognise that where our systems have failed, they must be corrected. Where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable. Where enforcement is inadequate it must improve.” wrote Ramaphosa in his weekly newsletter. 

Anti-illegal immigrant groups have set a deadline for Tuesday for all illegal immigrants to vacate the country as there are claims that these undocumented foreign nationals are taking jobs away from South Africans as well as limiting access to health services and education.

Ramaphosa has emphasised that the government has the responsibility to listen to the concerns raised by South African citizens but also have to respond with effective action. Ramaphosa also stated that acts of violence and intimidation will never be justified on the basis that citizens hold grievances or for political reasons.

The President has also expressed that he will be strengthening border management in order to increase enforcement against illegal immigrants and will also be improving the integrity of visa systems and taking action against corruption which has allowed for illegal- immigration to get out of hand.

The president emphasised however that many foreign nationals are in the country legally in order to work, study or even operate businesses and under the basis of the constitution, hold a right to be protected. 

He has also assured that the protests on Tuesday will not carry violence and that the rule of law will be held towards anyone who is violation of any human rights.