Ramaphosa sends a warning about the national shutdown

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government won’t allow anyone to destabilise the country, following a series of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant demonstrations.

The nation’s security forces are ready to prevent any disruption, Ramaphosa told lawmakers in Cape Town on Thursday, ahead of a month-end deadline imposed by xenophobic protest groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

“Those who transgress will meet the full might of the law,” he said. “We want this whole process of immigration to be handled within the parameters of our law and as smoothly as possible.”

At least three people have been killed in the wave of xenophobic attacks so far, and thousands have fled their homes because they fear for their safety.

While there is widespread concern that violence could escalate and the demonstrations could mushroom into broader unrest akin to riots that erupted in July 2021, when 354 people died, Ramaphosa said the authorities would ensure the law was upheld. 

The protests have had little impact on South Africa’s financial assets, though investors are monitoring the steps the government is taking to head off any widespread violence.

“The situation warrants close monitoring as we approach the June 30 deadline,” said Hironori Sannami, a foreign-exchange trader at Mizuho Bank in London.

“So far, the market does not appear to be pricing in a material escalation scenario, and implied volatility has not signalled widespread concern about a repeat of the July 2021 unrest.”

Ramaphosa’s comments follow similar remarks by Geordin Hill-Lewis, the leader of the nation’s second-biggest party, who on Wednesday called on the government to take a strong stand against xenophobic violence.