JOHANNESBURG, May 9 — South Africa on Friday rejected accusations that the country is xenophobic, describing recent incidents involving foreign nationals as isolated, while reaffirming its openness to diplomatic engagement and dialogue with African countries on migration issues.
The move came after Ghana requested that the African Union (AU) debate at the upcoming AU Mid-Year Coordination Summit in June what it described as “xenophobic attacks” against African nationals in South Africa. In a statement, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the government had “swiftly condemned acts of confrontation and intimidation” following sporadic incidents since late April involving some immigrants, including citizens of fellow African countries.
Since late April, protests against illegal migration, some of which turned violent, have taken place in cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, with protesters accusing foreign nationals of taking jobs and business opportunities. DIRCO said law enforcement agencies had been instructed to ensure the safety of citizens, residents and visitors, and to hold perpetrators accountable in accordance with the law. DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola has engaged counterparts from several African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, to brief them on developments and reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to protecting the rights of all people living in the country, said the department. The department also dismissed social media claims that Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals had been killed during recent protests, saying there was “no credible evidence” to support such allegations.
According to DIRCO, about 3 million migrants currently reside in South Africa, around 90 percent of whom are from other African countries. The government acknowledged that migration pressures, unemployment and irregular migration had at times contributed to tensions between local communities and foreign nationals. Pretoria reiterated its support for regional and continental migration frameworks, noting that many African countries continue to face economic and border management challenges linked to migration.
DIRCO said South Africa was reviewing its immigration policy framework to better address these challenges and remained open to “continued diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue” with African countries on issues of mutual concern. “South Africa will continue to lead with a Pan-African heart,” Lamola said. “Our commitment is to solidarity, the rule of law, and the safety of all who reside within our borders. Migration must be managed through cooperation, compassion and continental responsibility.”
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