South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has condemned the recent violent protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country, describing those behind the unrest as “opportunists” exploiting legitimate socio-economic grievances.

In a statement titled “Everyone in South Africa must respect and uphold our laws, Ramaphosa said the violent acts in some communities do not represent the South African government or the majority of citizens.

He stressed that individuals involved in stopping people, conducting searches, or checking identities without legal authority were engaging in unlawful conduct.

He, however, maintained that South Africa would continue to address illegal immigration in a lawful and structured manner, warning that undocumented migration places pressure on public services and worsens unemployment.

Ramaphosa noted that the South African government would strengthen border security through the Border Management Authority and deploy the military to curb illegal crossings.

According to him, about 450,000 attempted illegal entries were intercepted in the past financial year.

He also confirmed ongoing immigration enforcement actions, including arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants, alongside reforms to the country’s migration system.

He, therefore, called for cooperation between countries to address migration challenges and urged restraint amid rising tensions.

MEANWHILE, the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern over the unrest, saying the situation had affected communities, businesses and livelihoods.

The chamber said it was particularly worried about the impact on Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa, as well as the effect on South African businesses and the wider investment climate.

It, therefore, called for restraint, peaceful dialogue and respect for the rule of law, stressing that Nigeria and South Africa shared longstanding economic and cultural ties built on mutual respect and cooperation.

HOWEVER, the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has alerted Nigerians living in South Africa over planned large-scale law enforcement operations expected to take place across Gauteng Province and surrounding areas this week.

In an advisory issued yesterday and signed by the Consul General, Nionkanwa Okey-Uche, the mission disclosed that it had received information regarding coordinated security operations scheduled to run from Monday, May 11, 2026, to Friday, May 15, 2026.

According to the Consulate, the operations are expected to target undocumented foreigners, criminal activities, traffic violations and other compliance-related offences.

It said that the planned enforcement activities would involve roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, verification exercises and possible house-to-house inspections in some communities.

The Consulate further warned that the operations might also focus on vehicle owners who fail to comply with traffic and registration requirements, with possible impoundment of vehicles and arrests where necessary.

Citizens were, therefore, urged to avoid unnecessary movement around identified high-risk areas where possible and to refrain from confronting law enforcement officers during official operations.

The mission also encouraged Nigerians who experience harassment or unlawful treatment to promptly document and report such incidents through the Consulate’s official communication channels.