Lamola slams xenophobia, warns against fake news and vigilantism

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola used the Commonwealth Africa Speakers’ Conference to condemn xenophobic violence, urge lawful and humane migration management and warn against misinformation and vigilantism.

Direct address at a regional conference

Lamola spoke on 16 June 2026, delivering remarks on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile. He framed his address around three historical moments: the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto youth uprising and the forthcoming World Refugee Day.

Condemning violence and vigilantism

Lamola said plainly that violence against foreign nationals is unacceptable and described attacks on migrants and refugees as a betrayal of constitutional values. He said the intimidation of migrants, looting of businesses and destruction of property are “reprehensible acts of vigilantism” that threaten democracy and South Africa’s relationships on the continent.

Who enforces immigration law?

He stressed that groups planning protests and calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country “do not represent the position of the South African government.” Lamola warned that enforcing immigration law is the responsibility of the state alone and that no individual or organisation has authority to demand identity documents, remove people from public facilities, or drive people from their homes and businesses. “The state will act against those responsible and against those who exploit concerns about irregular migration to advance political, personal or criminal agendas,” he said.

Separating facts from fake news

Lamola warned about the rapid spread of misinformation through social media and other channels and stressed the need to “separate facts from fake news” while responding to protests.

He cited verified information from the South African Police Service when addressing recent deaths. Lamola said:

“During the current wave of violent anti-immigration protests, unfortunately, two Mozambican nationals were killed in Mossel Bay, and the South African government has condemned the incident in the strongest terms. The police are investigating these cases. No other Foreign National was killed as it has been widely reported. No Nigerian national or Ghanaian national has been killed according to the verified information of the South African Police Service, and again, no Ethiopian national has been killed. Instead, according to the South African Police, they’re investigating a possibility of gang violence in relation to the death of the 5 Ethiopian nationals. In other words, gang violence and intra-rivalry for trade amongst the Ethiopian nationals. We will hear the real motive upon the conclusion of the investigation.”

International concern and domestic warnings

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, posted on X condemning xenophobic threats in South Africa and describing them as a

“tragic betrayal of the country’s historic struggle for freedom and justice.”

Migration as part of South Africa’s story

Lamola also placed migration within South Africa’s history, noting that Africa’s liberation struggles produced solidarity across borders and pointing to present migration patterns, including that over 45 million Africans live outside their birth countries. He said the country has enshrined migrants’ rights in the Constitution, acceded to international conventions protecting migrants and refugees, and removed past barriers that separated South Africa from its neighbours.

Warnings about disinformation and wider consequences

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration has warned about fake videos and manipulated images being shared online, saying disinformation is being used to incite violence and destabilise communities. Lamola repeated the need to verify information and guard against manipulated content.

Meanwhile, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) warned that while citizens may demand reform, any disruption of transport services or unlawful demonstrations would have dire consequences for commuters, businesses and the economy.