South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to South Africans planning anti-immigration protests on Tuesday not to act violently against foreign Black nationals in the country.

According to Mr Ramaphosa, South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities.

“These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard,” he stated.

Mr Ramaphosa, who made the appeal in a statement on Monday, said, “The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. But the right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence.”

Several anti-immigration groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, set June 30 (tomorrow) as the deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa or face dire consequences.

Mr Ramaphosa acknowledged South Africans’ deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, and criminal syndicates, among others, noting that these concerns were real and deserved attention.

“South Africa is a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law. The exercise of rights by any citizen in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by intimidation, threats or ultimatums. It must be determined through democratic institutions, evidence and the rule of law.

“What we should seek as citizens and as a society is to work together to address the legitimate concerns that many South Africans have raised. Government has a responsibility not only to listen to these concerns but to respond with effective action. Citizens have a responsibility to pursue change peacefully and within the framework of our Constitution,” Mr Ramaphosa explained.

Mr Ramaphosa advised protesters to reject violence, vowing to prosecute violators in accordance with the law.

“Freedom comes with responsibility. The right to protest is one of the defining freedoms of our democracy, but every right carries corresponding responsibilities. Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course,” the South African president added.

Mr Ramaphosa’s warning against violent protests came amid escalating anti-immigration and xenophobic tensions in South Africa, forcing countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Ghana and Zimbabwe, to repatriate their citizens willing to leave the rainbow country.

On Sunday, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni ordered the immediate evacuation of Ugandan nationals from the rainbow country after a national identified as Niwamanya Wilberforce was reportedly beaten to death in KwaZulu-Natal province on Saturday.