South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that citizens’ concerns over illegal immigration are legitimate but warned that violence, intimidation and vigilantism will not be tolerated during planned nationwide protests on June 30.

In his weekly newsletter released on Monday, Ramaphosa urged protesters to exercise their constitutional right peacefully and within the confines of the law, stressing that no grievance justifies unlawful conduct.

The president said South Africans had raised genuine concerns over undocumented immigration, border management, pressure on public services, and criminal syndicates exploiting the country’s immigration system.

While affirming that the right to protest is guaranteed under South Africa’s Constitution, he cautioned that such freedom does not permit threats, intimidation, vandalism or violence.

It partly reads, “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.

“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.

“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.”

Ramaphosa disclosed that his government had accepted the need for substantial reforms to the country’s immigration system, including strengthening border management, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of asylum and visa systems, and tackling corruption that has weakened immigration controls.

“We also recognise that where our systems have failed, they must be corrected. Where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable. Where enforcement has been inadequate, it must improve,” it reads.

“Over the last few weeks, we have seen support for these measures and for government’s stance from across society. We have held meetings with the country’s traditional monarchs and other traditional and Khoi-San leaders, with trade union and business leaders, with the religious community and with other formations in society.

“Freedom comes with responsibility. The right to protest is one of the defining freedoms of our democracy, but every right carries corresponding responsibilities. Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others.”

The South African leader warned citizens against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, describing such actions as vigilantism that have no place in a constitutional democracy.

“The authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law-enforcement officers acting within the Constitution—not to private individuals,” he said.

Ramaphosa further noted that many foreign nationals residing in South Africa were lawfully in the country, contributing to the economy through work, education and investment, and remained entitled to the protection of the Constitution.

He welcomed assurances from organisers that Tuesday’s protests would remain peaceful but warned that anyone engaging in criminal acts would be held accountable.

“Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course,” the president said.

A Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

Justice Isah Dashen, the presiding judge held that all relevant parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made in the matter.

The court upheld the application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), ruling that the party was a necessary party to the suit.

According to the judge, the earlier judgment was constitutionally defective as it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties.

He declared that such an omission rendered the entire process null and void.

Justice Dashen further ruled that the status quo be restored to what it was before the December 2025 judgment, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

He also observed that certain material facts were suppressed in the earlier proceedings, which justified the decision to set aside the judgment.

Consequently, the court ordered that the substantive suit should begin afresh, with INEC, the PMP and the NDC as parties to the case.

Counsel to the applicant, Chikezie Ekeocha, told journalists that the PMP approached the court after discovering that NDC’s registration was based on a logo it had previously submitted to INEC before the commencement of the suit.

According to Ekeocha, the court agreed that the applicant’s rights had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgment.

“The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined,” he said.

He explained that the implication of the ruling is that every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment stands reversed.

“The recognition of the NDC, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Ekeocha stated.

He, however, clarified that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been decided.

“The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached.”

Ekeocha also dismissed suggestions that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically directed a restoration of the position that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment.

The ruling effectively returns the dispute over the registration of the NDC to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before a new determination is made.

(NAN)

The FIFA World Cup group stage has concluded, with the Netherlands securing first place in Group F and Japan finishing second. According to the knockout stage bracket, the top two teams from Group F will face the top two teams from Group E.

Two more Round of 32 matchups have been confirmed: Brazil vs. Japan and Netherlands vs. Morocco. The first Round of 16 matchup was announced yesterday, featuring South Africa vs. Canada.