South Africa's government has taken a firm stance on irregular migration, emphasizing that it is a continental issue rather than a national problem. International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola delivered this message at an African Diaspora Forum in the US, stressing that no single country can handle migration alone. He highlighted that the issue is rooted in stalled economies, weak democracies, and a significant jobs deficit across the continent.
Lamola provided demographic and economic context to support his argument. He stated that the average migrant in Africa is 30 years old, and six in ten young people between 18 and 25 have considered leaving their country for another. Furthermore, he noted that every year, 12 million Africans enter the labor market, but the continent's economies create only three million jobs. This results in a nine-million-a-year shortfall, leading to migration.
By framing migration as a predictable outcome of continental economic failure, Lamola recast migrants as individuals seeking opportunities rather than intruders. He questioned whose responsibility it is to address the issue, emphasizing that it is not solely the South African government's problem but a shared challenge for all African governments. Lamola called for a collective approach to address the root causes of irregular migration, including democracy, economic growth, and job creation.
Lamola anchored South Africa's position in continental policy, specifically the African Union's 2015 resolution to address the root causes of irregular migration. He argued that attention has been misdirected, with the destination country being scrutinized while the AU's own agreed agenda on root causes remains unimplemented. This approach implies that the continent has the necessary blueprint but has not taken sufficient action.
The minister also addressed the issue of xenophobia, stating that South Africa is a welcoming country. He highlighted that, unlike some states, South Africa does not have refugee camps for migrants. Instead, migrants live within communities, with the majority coming from the African continent. This, he argued, demonstrates that South Africa integrates rather than segregates migrants, contradicting the characterization of the country as fundamentally hostile.
Lamola acknowledged the pressure and contestation for limited resources within South Africa, particularly when the economy struggles. He conceded that the government has a responsibility to restore order and manage the challenge but emphasized that it is a shared responsibility. The minister closed by calling for a long-term solution to the employment and economic growth challenges across the continent.
The philosophical core of South Africa's position is that it is not opposed to African mobility but to mobility that is forced due to difficulties. Lamola expressed hope that all African countries would come together to find a solution, enabling people to visit other countries out of necessity rather than due to difficulties in their home countries. This approach aims to address the root causes of migration and promote a more collaborative and sustainable solution.
Key points
- South Africa's government attributes irregular migration to a continental jobs crisis rather than xenophobia.
- Minister Ronald Lamola calls for a shared approach to address the root causes of irregular migration.
- South Africa emphasizes its welcoming nature, integrating migrants into communities rather than segregating them.
