President Cyril Ramaphosa says illegal immigration is not the cause of South Africa’s social and economic difficulties. In comments reported by IOL, he argues that the country’s hardships are driven by factors such as unemployment, poverty, crime and corruption. Ramaphosa’s position frames illegal immigration as a concern that should be addressed, but not one that on its own explains broader challenges faced by communities. The statement contrasts immigration with other domestic issues identified as key contributors to social strain and economic instability. Ramaphosa also implies that tackling underlying conditions—especially joblessness and poverty, along with public safety and governance failures—matters more to improving people’s day-to-day lives. The report presents the view as part of a broader narrative about what Ramaphosa sees as the priority causes of hardship in South Africa, rather than attributing the country’s problems primarily to undocumented migration.