South African President Cyril Ramaphosa calls on the public to protest peacefully and lawfully ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations against illegal immigration. In communications released ahead of the rallies, he emphasizes that citizens have a constitutional right to demonstrate, but he warns that authorities will not tolerate violence, intimidation, or “vigilantism.” Ramaphosa says the growing public concern over immigration-related issues is acknowledged, but any actions outside the law are unacceptable.
Both reports describe Ramaphosa urging demonstrators to keep protests non-violent and to follow legal processes. He also signals that participation should not include attacks on individuals or threats, framing the warning as a safeguard to maintain public order during the events. The planned demonstrations are set for late June, with at least one outlet referring to a specific day for the rally. Overall, the messages underline that while anti-immigration protests are allowed, the president warns against taking justice into private hands or resorting to coercive tactics.
