By Staff Reporter
People’s Unity Party (PUP) leader Herbert Chamuka has warned that growing public frustration over illegal immigration, unemployment, crime, and pressure on public resources could fuel violence if the South African government fails to act decisively.
Chamuka said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa risks losing public confidence as many South Africans increasingly feel their concerns are being ignored.
He cautioned that the planned anti-immigrant demonstrations scheduled for 30 June could escalate into violence if authorities do not address the underlying issues through lawful means.
“President Ramaphosa must understand that when citizens feel ignored for too long, frustration eventually boils over,” Chamuka said.
“The government cannot continue pretending that public concerns do not exist. South Africans have been raising issues around illegal immigration for years, yet many believe little has been done. If government institutions fail to act, some people will inevitably attempt to enforce the law themselves, and that is extremely dangerous,” he highlighted.
Chamuka acknowledged that South Africa has every right to enforce its immigration laws, but argued that responsibility rests upon the government and its security institutions, not ordinary citizens.
“The state exists to maintain law and order. Citizens should not be forced into situations where they feel they must become immigration officers, police officers or judges. When that starts happening, it is evidence that government systems are failing,” he said.
According to Chamuka, the governement’s failure to provide clear and effective solutions to immigration challenges has allowed public frustration to reach dangerous levels.
“If South Africans are becoming increasingly angry and preparing for demonstrations, government must ask itself why. Leaders cannot ignore people’s concerns and then act surprised when tensions rise,” Chamuka remarked.
While describing concerns over undocumented immigrants as legitimate, Chamuka strongly condemned violence and vigilantism.
“Two wrongs do not make a right. Illegal immigration concerns should be addressed through stronger border controls, immigration reforms and professional law enforcement, not through violence or vigilantism,” he reiterated.
Chamuka warned that failure by authorities to manage the situation could have serious consequences for South Africa’s stability and international reputation.
“South Africa has experienced xenophobic violence before, and we know the damage it causes. Lives are lost, businesses are destroyed, communities become divided and the country’s image suffers. Government must act now before history repeats itself,” he said.
He added that Ramaphosa’s handling of the situation would become a defining test of his leadership.
“The responsibility lies with the President and his government. If they cannot guarantee law and order and cannot provide lawful solutions to challenges facing citizens, then people will naturally begin questioning whether those in power are still capable of leading effectively,” highlighted.
Chamuka also urged regional and international bodies, including the Southern African Development Community and the United Nations, to closely monitor developments and encourage peaceful solutions that respect both national sovereignty and human rights.
“South Africa is too important to the region for this situation to be ignored. We need leadership, dialogue and lawful enforcement of immigration policies. What we do not need is violence.”
As the country prepares for the planned demonstrations, pressure continues to mount on Ramaphosa’s administration to address public concerns while ensuring that no individual, regardless of nationality, becomes a target of unlawful intimidation or attack.
