Pretoria: Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has clarified that South Africans are not inherently xenophobic, even as President Cyril Ramaphosa calls for decisive action against violent protesters targeting undocumented immigrants. The recent surge in demonstrations across major South African cities has sparked concerns over the country's stance on immigration. According to South African Government News Agency, Magwenya highlighted that the protests were a key topic of discussion during a meeting between President Ramaphosa and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, who was on a working visit to South Africa. Both leaders agreed that while protests are constitutionally permissible, they should be conducted peacefully and without harm to any individuals. The spokesperson stressed the importance of respecting the rights of everyone within South Africa's borders. Magwenya further stated that President Ramaphosa expects law enforcement agencies to prevent any violence against individuals during these protes ts. The conversation between the two Presidents also touched on the need for African nations to address the root causes of migration, such as conflict, instability, and governance issues, which lead to large-scale movements of people seeking refuge, including within South Africa. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of a genuine, open, and honest dialogue across the African continent to tackle these migration challenges. Magwenya reiterated President Ramaphosa's stance that South Africa remains a welcoming nation, rejecting any characterization of its people as xenophobic.
