South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has urged African nations to collectively address the root causes of irregular migration, emphasizing that South Africa cannot manage the continental challenge in isolation. Speaking at the African Diaspora Forum in the United States, Lamola highlighted the need for a shared approach to tackle the issue. He noted that irregular migration is a reality for South Africa as a top destination for economic migrants.
Lamola's comments come ahead of a planned National Day of Action on September 30, which demands the deportation of all undocumented migrants. In response to a question from an audience member, Lamola emphasized that the government condemns vigilantism, citing the arrest of 354 people for anti-migrant violence. He noted that 103 cases are currently in court and 43 are under investigation. The government has put in place a plan to prevent individuals from taking the law into their own hands.
The Border Management Authority has facilitated the repatriation of 89,936 individuals and the deportation of 9,997 following June 30 protests. Lamola stressed that addressing irregular migration is strictly the government's responsibility, not individuals'. He highlighted that attendees at the forum were aware of the challenges in their countries and that they must confront the root causes of irregular migration, such as democracy, economic growth, and job creation.
Lamola noted that when South Africa's economy struggles, it is natural that there will be contestation for limited resources. He emphasized that as a government, they have a responsibility to restore order and manage the challenge. Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said Lamola was consistent in South Africa's position on the rule of law. However, Seepe noted that the minister and South Africa must accept that they failed to ensure that borders are secure.
Seepe explained that African countries cannot sit and point fingers, but must ask themselves why their countries have been less attractive to their own citizens. He emphasized that all countries must assume responsibility for addressing the root causes of irregular migration. International relations and political analyst Gideon Chitanga said the audience member's question raises legitimate concerns about South Africa's ongoing commitment to Pan-African solidarity and collaboration.
Chitanga noted that what is needed is not only the minister's policy emphasis in international platforms but a comprehensive process of engagement within the country that addresses interlinked causes of the problem. He emphasized that a proactive process that seeks to create fair enabling conditions for those who are legally coming into the country will probably shift the discourse and create conditions for addressing the problem in the long term.
The issue of irregular migration remains a significant challenge for South Africa, with the government facing pressure to manage the situation effectively. Lamola's call for continental help highlights the need for a shared approach to address the root causes of irregular migration. The government's efforts to address the issue, including the repatriation and deportation of undocumented migrants, are ongoing.
Key points
- South Africa's International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola calls for African countries to work together to address the root causes of irregular migration.
- The government has put in place a plan to prevent individuals from taking the law into their own hands, amid rising vigilantism against undocumented migrants.
- The issue of irregular migration remains a significant challenge for South Africa, with the government facing pressure to manage the situation effectively.
