[Video] South Africans Not Against People From Other Nations — Ramaphosa Urges Cooperation Amid Xenophobic Attacks

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that South Africans are not inherently opposed to people from other countries, stressing that Africans remain “one people” despite rising tensions linked to recent attacks on foreign nationals.

In a video shared on X, Ramaphosa emphasised the need for unity and cooperation among African nations, noting that concerns about security and public sentiment must be addressed collectively.

“South Africans are not against people from other nations. We are one people. We’re not xenophobic.”

~ South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa says

Mr president put your people in order fast !! pic.twitter.com/IVaLn9E4Lu

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) May 6, 2026

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“South Africans inherently are not against people from other nations. We are one people and we’ve always been one people,” he said. “Of course, we’ve got to also pay heed to the security of those from other countries while in South Africa and also pay heed to the concerns that are being raised by South Africans.”

The South African leader disclosed that he had discussed the situation with Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, adding that both countries agreed to work together to manage the situation.

“President Chakwera and myself discussed this matter and we agreed that we should work together. It is not only one country that is affected. All countries that have foreign nationals in South Africa are also affected. So we must all work together, join hands,” Ramaphosa said.

His remarks come in the wake of renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, incidents that have sparked outrage across the continent and heightened diplomatic tensions.

Hafsoh Isiaq

Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.

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