On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged faith-based organizations to play a stronger role in addressing rising tensions over migration and supporting the country’s National Dialogue process.
Speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the President acknowledged growing public concerns around migration and illegal immigration but warned against allowing economic frustrations to fuel xenophobia or social division.
He stressed that while these concerns are real, they should not be attributed to foreign nationals alone, but rather understood within broader challenges of unemployment, poverty, crime, and pressure on public services.
Ramaphosa emphasized that illegal immigration is not the root cause of South Africa’s structural problems. Instead, he called for accelerated economic growth, increased investment, job creation, and strengthened efforts to reduce poverty and hunger.
The President highlighted the role of faith communities as moral anchors in society, urging leaders from churches, mosques, temples and synagogues to help prevent anger from escalating into violence or discrimination. He warned against racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance, calling for responses grounded in constitutional values and human dignity.
He also outlined elements of a broader migration management strategy, including stricter enforcement of immigration laws, tighter border controls, anti-corruption measures, legal reforms, and enhanced regional cooperation with the Southern African Development Community and African Union partners.
Beyond migration, Ramaphosa promoted the upcoming National Dialogue as a people-centred initiative aimed at shaping a shared national vision. He invited faith leaders to serve as partners and guarantors of the process, stressing that inclusive participation would be key to its success.
He concluded with a call for unity, stating that South Africa’s challenges can only be resolved collectively through a shared commitment to a secure, lawful, compassionate and prosperous nation.