President Ramaphosa addresses illegal migration amid rising anti-foreigner protests in South Africa
via The Namibian7 min read
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged a stronger government response to migration issues while cautioning against xenophobia and vigilantism, as anti-foreigner protests spread across South Africa. Protests targeting foreigners have occurred in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, with incidents including the targeting of homes and looting of shops. Speaking during the Presidency Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, June 2, Ramaphosa outlined plans to strengthen immigration enforcement, emphasizing the need to address illegal migration which he stated can strain public services and hinder job creation efforts. He also stressed the importance of upholding the law and human dignity for all individuals in South Africa, regardless of their nationality, and condemned violence, xenophobia, and vigilantism. These comments come as surveys indicate a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment since the Covid-19 pandemic, with 42% of respondents in a Human Sciences Research Council HSRC survey stating they would not welcome any immigrants. The HSRC data from 2025 shows hostility towards immigrants is at its highest since 2003, with immigrants increasingly perceived as an economic threat and associated with crime. Human Rights Watch researcher Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka highlighted that while the right to protest is protected, it does not permit violence, and called for accountability for vigilante groups. Recently, nearly 300 Ghanaians reportedly fled South Africa due to xenophobic tens
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Namibian musicians have expressed support for a new global labeling system for artificial intelligence-generated music, viewing it as a step towards greater transparency, stronger copyright protection, and helping listeners differentiate between human-created and AI-generated content. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry introduced the system, which classifies sound recordings as "AI-generated" or "AI-assisted" using visual icons, metadata, and backend delivery systems. This initiative aims for global adoption and will evolve with technological advancements and legal requirements. Joseph Ailonga, board chairperson of the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music, stated that the system provides essential transparency for distinguishing between AI-generated and AI-assisted works, which is crucial for authenticating ownership, copyright, and royalty management. Singer Lize Ehlers emphasized that AI should serve as a tool, not a replacement for human creativity, and welcomed the labels for allowing audiences to make informed choices about the art they consume. She also warned that over-reliance on AI could diminish opportunities for emerging musicians. Rapper KP Illest acknowledged the labels as a positive development but highlighted concerns about AI learning from human-made music and the potential for beats to be "stolen." Musician Shax Champion, however, believes AI does not threaten originality, stating that authentic artists will continue to st
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Must ReadNamibia is experiencing a growing crisis where high youth unemployment, estimated at 38% by the Namibia Statistics Agency, is driving young people into criminal activities. Many school-leavers and graduates face limited opportunities in the formal economy, leading criminal syndicates to recruit them for various illegal operations, from petty theft to organized crime. Social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook exacerbate the issue by normalizing and even glorifying criminal acts among youth. The erosion of Namibia’s social fabric, with many young people lacking positive role models, further contributes to this trend, as gang leaders and online influencers fill this void. Addressing this requires more than just law enforcement; the government needs to expand economic opportunities through initiatives like the National Youth Entrepreneurship Fund and youth lending schemes, while reducing bureaucratic hurdles for start-up funding. Investment in human development, including transforming regional youth centers into vocational training hubs and enforcing the national minimum wage, is also crucial. Additionally, youth counseling, mentorship programs, and targeted support for high-risk communities are essential. Religious institutions, civil society, businesses, and communities must collaborate to provide mentorship, sports initiatives, apprenticeships, and safe spaces to prevent another generation from being lost to crime.