The Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, stated that migration issues in South Africa should be addressed through cooperation rather than mutual accusations. He emphasized that the true causes of social discontent are poverty, unemployment, and inequality, rejecting claims that migrants are to blame for all the country's socio-economic problems.
These remarks were made by him at the Kgalele Molante Foundation winter seminar in Sandton on Thursday, where the topic of migration was discussed. His statements came amid ongoing calls from anti-migrant groups to deport undocumented foreigners in South Africa, despite repeated government appeals for calm.
Lamola highlighted the importance of the seminar, noting that challenges related to migration require platforms for honest, respectful, and constructive discussion of complex issues. He observed that the current wave of discussions about migration, border management, social cohesion, economic competition, and the provision of public services has sparked intense public debate.
In the minister's view, the problems facing the country are multifaceted, and opinions on them are often deeply rooted. Therefore, such platforms are necessary for developing substantive dialogue, not for imposing predetermined solutions. Lamola reminded that migration is not a new phenomenon, as people have always moved in search of safety, opportunities, family reunification, and a better future.
He added that migration has consistently raised valid questions regarding governance, resource distribution, identity, and social integration. Lamola called for a balanced approach, insisting that South Africa must consider community concerns while protecting human rights and strengthening regional cooperation.
Lamola pointed out that South Africa's history has been shaped by the movement and migration of people. However, he admitted that it would be disingenuous to ignore the realities faced by many communities. High levels of poverty, unemployment, and inequality place significant pressure on households. Since jobs, housing, education, healthcare, and other public services are often scarce commodities, the feeling of their inaccessibility to all fuels exclusionary politics.
Under these circumstances, according to Lamola, migrants can become targets of broader frustration related to structural socio-economic problems. He stressed that it is necessary to counter simplistic narratives that attempt to blame migrants for all social and economic difficulties, as such views ignore developmental complexities and can increase intolerance.
The minister stated that the country must approach debates on migration with honesty and nuance. On the other hand, it is necessary to acknowledge legitimate community concerns regarding effective immigration management, border security, labor market regulation, and the capacity of state institutions. He clarified that the task is not to choose between security and humanity, but to implement policies that advance all these goals simultaneously.
Lamola strongly urged African nations to cooperate in addressing the root causes of migration, such as conflict, political instability, unemployment, inequality, and climate change. He emphasized that human movement is often a symptom of deeper economic, political, and social conditions, and eliminating these root causes is necessary for long-term solutions.
Lamola noted that the issue of migration in South Africa cannot be solved solely by South African methods; solutions adapted to the realities of Africa are required. He called for strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration. He also mentioned that South Africa accepts migrants from several African countries, especially from SADC member states, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Malawi.
According to him, migration is driven by economic opportunities, governance and policy issues, environmental factors, and enduring family and cultural ties. He urged SADC member states to increase cooperation and open discussion on economic development and youth unemployment. Lamola assured that South Africa is committed to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and continues to welcome brothers and sisters from across the continent.
The minister emphasized that social cohesion depends on a legal and orderly system. It is necessary to ensure proper and safe management of migrant flows, efficiently process documentation, protect the rights of migrants, and fairly apply immigration law. He stated that the future is built through partnership and cooperation, not isolation or accusation.
Regarding the fight against illegal immigration, Lamola reported that the government is strengthening migration management through coordinated efforts involving the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Border Control Agency. These measures include law enforcement operations and enhanced combating of immigration-related crime. At the same time, he noted that concern over illegal immigration is a legitimate subject of public debate, but it must be resolved legally and democratically, not through vigilantism.
Limpopo Premier, Dr. Fofie Ramatuba, called on community members to stop providing illegal housing and to assist law enforcement in combating crime. She blamed South African citizens for allowing undocumented foreigners to reside in the province by renting out rooms in backyards and providing unauthorized accommodation.
These statements were made by Ramatuba on Friday morning during a press briefing held after an operation targeting illegal immigrants in Polokwane. Present at the briefing were the acting Provincial Police Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Schapers, representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, and staff from the Department of Health.
The Premier's comments came amid growing protests against illegal immigration across the country, during which some groups demanded the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa. Ramatuba stated that the province would focus on addressing its own issues and would expand operational activities in rural areas.
She emphasized that authorities would engage with traditional leaders in rural settlements to address issues related to the residence of unregistered people in villages. Ramatuba noted the necessity of holding meetings and dialogues with these leaders to ascertain who is living in the village without official recognition.
The Premier accused some South African citizens of providing housing to illegal immigrants while simultaneously benefiting from state housing under the RDP programme. She stated: 'I can tell you that the people who facilitate criminal activity by hiding criminals in their backyards are our own citizens of African descent.' She cited an example where RDP housing was given to a family, but instead of improving the children's lives, additional rooms were built in the backyard, with illegal connections to electricity and water to accommodate illegal immigrants.
Ramatuba confirmed the arrest of 339 suspects during the operation, including an individual suspected of murder and several individuals accused of house burglaries. She reported that one of the arrested individuals was a 'hard criminal sought for murder and a series of house robberies across the province,' and he resided in a backyard room provided by a South African citizen.
The Premier criticized South African citizens who participate in anti-immigration protests while themselves allowing illegal people to remain in the country. She pointed out that such citizens might oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa's actions while ignoring the fact that they themselves are harboring individuals sought by law enforcement.
The operation involved 478 raids, leading to 339 arrests. Additionally, non-compliant spaza shops were shut down, and some owners were arrested. Ramatuba also expressed concern over the illegal tobacco trade, which, she said, harms the economy and leads to job losses because it is supported by South African citizens.
The Premier urged communities to report any criminal activity, assuring that operations would continue throughout the province. She also suggested that some organizers of anti-immigration protests receive 'protection payments' from undocumented foreigners so that they avoid attacks on their homes or businesses.
Ramatuba strongly stressed that foreigners entering South Africa are obliged to comply with immigration laws and possess proper documentation. She added that illegal immigration has placed a strain on public services, including healthcare, as authorities often did not know the status of people seeking assistance.
Lieutenant General Schapers stated that the operation would be expanded to other Limpopo districts. He acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to protest but strongly urged that these demonstrations take place within the law. Schapers stated that staying in the country without proper documents is illegal, and that their mandate is active, and they will 'leave no stone unturned.' He concluded by emphasizing the seriousness of intentions regarding the safety and economic growth of the Limpopo province.
