South African President warns anti-migrant protesters as thousands flee ahead of unofficial deadline
via GhanaWeb3 min read
President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned anti-migrant protesters against "intimidation, threats or ultimatums" as an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa approaches. In recent weeks, several thousand citizens from other African countries have already departed, fearing violence. Ramaphosa emphasized that foreign nationals residing lawfully in South Africa contribute positively to society and are entitled to legal protection, stating that the right to protest does not permit threats or violence. Official figures indicate over three million documented foreign nationals in the country. In Durban, a transit camp housing mostly Malawians is being dismantled as people prepare to return home. One Malawian, Nelson Mbewe, expressed heartbreak at leaving his children behind due to lack of proper documentation and the use of xenophobic slurs. Another Malawian, Hassan Phiri, appealed for unity among African nations. Anti-migrant marches are authorized in Durban, Johannesburg, and other cities, with authorities warning against violence and prohibiting traditional weapons. Since a wave of protests began earlier this year, over 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated, with Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe organizing returns for approximately 3,500 volunteers. Xenophobia has been a long-standing issue in South Africa, leading to violence, including two deaths this year according to Xenowatch, and over 60 deaths in 2008.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The Ghana Health Service GHS, under the Ministry of Health, has released a public health alert concerning health and safety risks during the rainy season. The directive, signed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, provides guidelines to prevent disease outbreaks and manage environmental hazards. Health authorities note that the shift from dry periods to early rains increases the risk of waterborne illnesses such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery, as rainwater can contaminate open water sources with faecal matter. The GHS also warned about the contamination risk for vegetables grown near water bodies. Additionally, stagnant water in discarded containers, old tyres, and cans creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, elevating the risk of vector-borne diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. To address these hazards, the GHS advises the public to maintain clean surroundings and remove containers that can collect stagnant water.
Must ReadPresident John Dramani Mahama has revealed a long-term strategy to alleviate pressure on Accra and address its persistent flooding and rapid urbanization by developing a new city outside the capital. This plan includes relocating key government institutions to the new city. The announcement followed an aerial assessment by the President of communities affected by torrential rains on June 29, 2026, which caused widespread flooding in the Greater Accra Region, resulting in fatalities, displacement of residents, and destruction of property. While acknowledging the immediate need for improved drainage and relief efforts, President Mahama emphasized that lasting solutions require reducing the concentration of people, businesses, and government institutions in Accra. He stated that the proposed new city is part of a 20-year national development agenda, with experts currently designing its master plan. Once completed, land will be allocated for residential, commercial, and institutional use, and essential infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water will be provided to encourage development outside Accra. The June 29, 2026, floods severely impacted areas such as Circle, Alajo, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Achimota, Weija, Madina, Adenta, Lapaz, and parts of Spintex, stranding thousands, disrupting activities, and causing significant property damage.
Kwame Asare Obeng, Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, also known as A-Plus, reacted strongly to a flood victim who appealed for improved drainage infrastructure in the constituency. Following heavy rainfall on June 29, 2026, which caused widespread flooding, a resident of Gomoa Pomadze, whose home was affected, urged the MP to prioritize drainage over entertainment. In a Facebook post, A-Plus called the resident a "stupid man" and a "fool," questioning if he was expected to stop the rain. He argued that authorities face resistance when attempting to remove structures obstructing waterways, citing an incident in Kumasi where a woman cursed the mayor for demolishing buildings on waterways. The MP criticized what he termed a culture of entitlement among some Ghanaians, stating that many citizens had been "pampered for far too long." He also made a controversial remark, suggesting the floodwaters had not affected the resident enough. A-Plus insisted he would not be intimidated or blackmailed by votes, stating that while he is willing to assist constituents, he would not tolerate disrespect.