A member of the group called Operation Dudula clashes with the police. (Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee/AFP)
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) says the African continent must find practical solutions to help bear the burden of migration challenges, rather than pointing fingers.
Dirco reacted after Ghana asked that a debate on “xenophobic attacks in South Africa against African citizens” be placed on the agenda of the African Union (AU) summit to be held in Egypt in June.
The department says that after sporadic attacks on immigrants earlier this year, “among them citizens of other African countries” living in South Africa, the government quickly condemned them and instructed law enforcement agencies to take steps to ensure everyone’s safety.
Since the attacks, Ronald Lamola, the minister of international relations and cooperation, has also met with several of his African counterparts and ambassadors and assured them that South Africa is dealing with the issue with urgency.
Lamola also met with his Ghanaian and Nigerian counterparts and confirmed South Africa’s commitment to protecting its own citizens, residents and visitors in terms of the law and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
During these meetings, Lamola also gave feedback on allegations that citizens of these countries were killed by law enforcers during recent protests. “There is no credible evidence to reach that conclusion at this stage,” said Dirco’s statement. “South Africa warns against doctored footage and divisive narratives, including fake videos, that are shared on various social media platforms.”
The department says that in all the meetings South Africa also asked for the maintenance of diplomatic decorum, mutual respect, transparency and brotherhood and the need to guard against approaches that sow division and increase tension at bilateral, regional and multilateral level. “South Africa welcomes the initiative of countries that have already reached out directly to gain clarity and understanding about the situation.”
Decision ‘deplorable’
Dirco says South Africa has gone out of its way to welcome and integrate millions of immigrants from African countries – and many from even further afield. It is estimated that South Africa is home to nearly three million migrants, of which 90% are from Africa. This makes South Africa the largest host of African immigrants in the world. It also turned the country into a melting pot of different African cultures. Most of these immigrants have integrated into South African society and form an important bridge between South Africa and their countries of origin on a human-to-human level.
Meanwhile, South Africa is also revising its immigration policy framework to respond better to the challenges of migration and a white paper on this has already been developed, says Dirco.
In the South African context, non-citizens are part of the country’s society, with no refugee camps for asylum seekers as in other countries.
Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. (Photo: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS)
“The continent’s migration challenges must shift from assigning blame, to practical solutions based on burden sharing. The challenge on our continent must be tackled not through short-term victories, but systemic changes that overcome the root causes of irregular migration.”
It is important that migration remains safe, orderly and regulated, so that countries of origin, transit and destination can assume their responsibilities in a structured way.
“South Africa remains open to continued diplomatic relations and constructive dialogue with any country on issues of concern and therefore finds Ghana’s decision to escalate concerns over irregular migration regrettable.”
If Ghana continues with its intention to place the issue on the agenda, South Africa will in turn propose an agenda item on the push and pull factors of migration, including good governance, the rule of law and democracy.
“South Africa will continue to lead with a pan-African heart. Our commitment is to solidarity, the rule of law and the safety of all who live within our borders. Migration must be managed through cooperation, compassion and the responsibility of the entire continent,” said Lamola.