At a speech at Moses Mabhida Stadium early in January, President Ramaphosa spoke about the need for “effective border management” to ensure the safety of South Africa and its people.
Last year, ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe (who has since voluntarily stepped aside from the position pending the outcome of investigations into sexual harassment accusations levelled against him) released a statement in which the party reacted to what many believed was xenophobic vigilante violence in Soweto targeting Somali shopkeepers by calling the violence a “disturbing” reaction to vendors selling illicit goods that may endanger the health of consumers.
“The health and wellbeing of our people are of primary concern to the ANC. The fact that this is leading to instability and violence is a disturbing development,” the statement said.