Stop treating South Africans like criminals because they oppose illegal migration – Herman Mashaba

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said many South Africans are labelled xenophobic and even criminal because they demand that the laws of this country be enforced.

Mashaba shared his views in a statement, saying the government should stop treating South Africans like criminals around illegal migration.

He asked how South Africa reached a point where poor and unemployed South Africans are treated as perpetrators for raising concerns about illegal immigration.

This, he said, is despite the South African government failing them for decades and escaping accountability.

“Throughout our democratic journey, citizens have organised, marched, and spoken out whenever the government has failed to listen,” he said.

“Today, a new generation is marching because millions remain unemployed. They are marching because many communities have been abandoned.”

“Drugs continue to destroy young lives while the government appears incapable of confronting the criminal networks responsible.”

Mashaba said that people are marching because they feel unheard. However, instead of engaging them, many political leaders have chosen to insult them.

The ActionSA leader said that the message from these South Africans is simple: the law must apply to everyone.

“If someone is in South Africa legally, their rights must be protected. If someone is in South Africa illegally, the law must also be applied,” he said.

“This should not be a controversial position. No sovereign nation can function without secure borders and a credible immigration system.”

Mashaba highlighted that no country, including South Africa, can ignore the distinction between legal and illegal entry.

“The demand for the enforcement of immigration laws is not extremism. It is not hatred. It is not xenophobia,” he said.

“The enforcement of immigration laws is a legitimate public policy concern in every functioning democracy.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa calls for restraint

On Sunday, 7 June 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on migration and illegal immigration in South Africa.

He acknowledged the growing public concerns regarding illegal immigration, its pressure on public services, and its impact on jobs, safety, and the rule of law.

He also admitted that there have been failures by the state, corruption, and systemic weaknesses in managing migration.

Ramaphosa promised a comprehensive approach to migration management, which includes South Africa strictly enforcing its laws.

He said that South Africa will crack down on law violations, secure its borders, stamp out corruption, close legal loopholes, and engage with regional leaders.

However, he rejected xenophobia and said South Africa will protect human rights in line with the Constitution and the values of Ubuntu.

“Only authorised government officials are permitted to enforce immigration laws. Citizens are forbidden from confronting people to demand proof of nationality,” he said.

He condemned xenophobia, social media misinformation, and tribal slurs, warning that groups exploiting these issues will face the full might of the law.

Ramaphosa added that lawful migration benefits South Africa by attracting global talent, investment, and tourism.