Ramaphosa Investigates External Actors Fueling South African Anti-Migrant Violence

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the South African government is investigating allegations that external actors are fueling anti-migrant violence and anti-African sentiment to destabilize the nation. Speaking during a session in the National Assembly in Cape Town on August 25, 2026, Ramaphosa stated that forces outside the country have been observed attempting to incite conflict between South Africans and other African nationals. He noted that other African governments have recognized that a significant portion of this activity is propelled from outside South Africa.

Ramaphosa vowed that authorities will arrest those who instigated the unrest and anti-immigration marches targeting undocumented migrants. He emphasized that migration challenges must be addressed through the rule of law and the modernization of migration governance, including strengthening border management and eliminating corruption within the immigration system.

During the proceedings, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema criticized the government's slow response. Malema argued that the failure to prosecute known instigators creates an impression that the violence was state-sanctioned and demanded immediate arrests, claiming some organizers had previously met with the president. Ramaphosa rejected claims that the unrest damaged South Africa's continental standing, describing the nation as a principled Pan-African actor and asserting that police are currently gathering evidence to pursue those responsible.