South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has held an urgent meeting with leaders of an anti-immigration movement as the country prepares for planned nationwide demonstrations over illegal immigration, unemployment, and crime concerns.
The meeting, held on Monday, involved prominent activists Ngizwe Mchunu and Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as “Phakel’umthakathi,” who lead the Insizwa Nobunsizwa movement.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa used the engagement to stress the importance of peaceful demonstrations and respect for the law. He reminded the activists that while citizens have the constitutional right to protest, such actions must remain within legal boundaries.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the President made it clear that enforcing migration laws remains the responsibility of the government.
“The president emphasised to both of them that the right to protest is coupled with the responsibility to observe the law and to protest peacefully,” Magwenya stated.
The last-minute discussion comes ahead of protests scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, as authorities remain concerned about possible unrest. Anti-immigration groups have continued to demand action against undocumented migrants, while the government has rejected unofficial ultimatums issued by some activists.
The engagement is seen as an attempt by the Presidency to encourage dialogue with community leaders and reduce tensions before the demonstrations begin. South Africans are closely watching whether the appeal for calm will prevent possible disruptions during the planned protests.
