Vigilante acts against illegal migrants 'a blight to SA's character' - Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa said while South Africans are justifiably concerned about the impact of illegal migration on State services, they can’t resort to vigilante acts.

Ramaphosa said attempting to remove foreign nationals from health care facilities is un-South African.

Answering questions in the National Assembly on Thursday, Ramaphosa signalled a warning to employers who employ undocumented migrants.

He said the migration matter featured prominently on the agenda of a recent meeting of political leaders of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Ramaphosa said after boxes of medication were found at a recent accident scene of a bus headed for Zimbabwe, South Africans were justifiably angry.

But he said it’s been disturbing to witness the forced removal of migrants from healthcare facilities.

“It is a real blight on the character of our nation. Our ubuntu characteristic must be clearly played out in how we deal with people of other countries as well.”

Ramaphosa further reminded employers that they can be fined and even jailed for employing undocumented migrants.

Legislation that will introduce employment quotas is set to be tabled soon.

“So, a clear warning to all employers. We must follow what the law prescribes in this regard.”

With more than 51,000 people deported over the last year, Ramaphosa praised the work of the Border Management Authority in clamping down on illegal entry to the country.