Ramaphosa Hails South African Youths Amid Rising Xenophobic Attacks

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the country’s young people for their resilience, innovation, and commitment to nation-building, even as South Africa grapples with a surge in xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.

Speaking during Youth Day commemorations, Ramaphosa highlighted the vital role young people continue to play in shaping the country’s future. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for youth empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, skills development, and employment initiatives.

The president’s remarks come at a time of heightened tensions over immigration, with recent anti-migrant protests and attacks drawing widespread condemnation from human rights groups, foreign governments, and regional leaders. Several African countries have begun repatriating citizens affected by the violence, while hundreds of migrants have reportedly been displaced from their homes and businesses.

Ramaphosa has consistently condemned xenophobic attacks, warning that no individual or group has the authority to enforce immigration laws outside established legal processes. He stressed that concerns over illegal immigration must not be used as a justification for violence, vigilantism, or attacks on innocent people.

The South African leader also warned that the unrest risks damaging the country’s international reputation and undermining social cohesion. Government officials have expressed concern that the attacks are harming diplomatic relations and creating uncertainty for businesses, investors, and communities across the continent.

Human rights organisations have called on authorities to strengthen protection for migrants and refugees, arguing that foreign nationals are increasingly being scapegoated for economic challenges such as unemployment, crime, and poor service delivery.

Despite the ongoing tensions, Ramaphosa urged South Africans, particularly young people, to uphold the values of unity, tolerance, and African solidarity. He emphasized that the country’s future depends on the ability of its citizens to work together across cultural and national divides in pursuit of shared prosperity and development.