Presidency rejects claim South Africa is xenophobic, calls it ‘lazy analysis’

‘Pockets of protests’ should not define the nation

Addressing growing concern about anti-migrant sentiment, Magwenya urged caution before describing the country as xenophobic, calling such a characterisation a “lazy sort of analysis” that could harm South Africa’s image.

“South Africa is a welcoming country. South Africans are open, friendly and warm people. And we will reject a notion that seeks to characterise this country or its people as being xenophobic,”

Magwenya described recent unrest as “pockets of protests” and contrasted the xenophobia label with what he called false claims elsewhere, citing the United States’ reference to a “white genocide”.

Law enforcement and migration drivers

While acknowledging that some communities have “genuine concern” about criminal activity involving immigrants, Magwenya emphasised that law enforcement agencies must address crimes decisively and without fear or favour.

“Crimes that are committed by foreign nationals, where the president expects law enforcement, again, to act without any fear or favour… If they break the law, they will face the full might of the law, like all of us are expected to respect the law.”

He also noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo agreed Africa must work together to address the underlying causes of migration, including instability, conflict and governance failures, to reduce migration pressures.

Response to questions over Ramaphosa’s Zimbabwe visit

The Presidency addressed scrutiny about President Ramaphosa’s working visit to Zimbabwe on 3 May 2026, saying the trip took place at the invitation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and was intended to discuss bilateral and regional matters in a less formal setting.

Magwenya said both presidents agreed to meet at President Mnangagwa’s farm to engage in a relaxed environment, and that Ramaphosa was interested in learning how Mnangagwa was assisting local farmers near the farm.

The Presidency said the president had no prior knowledge of who would attend the gathering and was not familiar with a Zimbabwean businessman who was later reported to have been present and is a person of interest to South African law enforcement.

“The president flew to Zimbabwe for a meeting with his counterpart and nothing else.”

Magwenya reiterated that law enforcement agencies have President Ramaphosa’s full support in pursuing ongoing investigations.

Key facts

• Media briefing: Cape Town, 6 May 2026
• Spokesperson: Vincent Magwenya
• Presidential visit: Working visit to Zimbabwe on 3 May 2026
• Position: Presidency rejects labelling South Africa as xenophobic