President Cyril Ramaphosa says he has taken note of concerns from South Africans who argue that the township economy has been hijacked by foreign nationals.

Addressing the nation from the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the President acknowledged that migrants have, in some instances, contributed to the exclusion of local residents from operating informal businesses such as spaza shops.

Ramaphosa said it is an undeniable reality that some South Africans have been sidelined from participating in small businesses within their own communities.

📰 #GovZAUpdates | Government has adopted a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management aimed at strengthening border security, enforcing immigration laws, tackling corruption and closing policy loopholes as part of a broader effort to address illegal immigration in South… pic.twitter.com/ehBBMnU4xh

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 7, 2026

He has called on government departments to strengthen support for and promote local businesses, in order to ensure that citizens also benefit from the growing township economy.

“Many communities have expressed anger about the number of foreign nationals running spaza shops, trading stores, and other informal outlets. They argue that foreign enterprises are squeezing South Africans from operating in these markets in their own communities. These concerns cannot and must not be dismissed. Many South Africans feel excluded. How did you pass it? from opportunities within their own communities,” says Ramaphosa.

WATCH | “We want a South Africa where every person who enters the country does so lawfully. A South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced. A South Africa where businesses compete fairly”. Said President Cyril Ramaphosa pic.twitter.com/jdTMQ64JZX

— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 7, 2026

The President says government has a responsibility to support local enterprise, to promote fair competition, and to create conditions in which South Africans can participate meaningfully in the economy of our country.

“As a country, as communities and as a continent, we need to work together in accordance with our Constitution, our laws and our international obligations to tackle illegal immigration and we must do so without resorting to violence, intimidation, or victimization,” he adds.