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Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), commented on the discussion surrounding migration in South Africa. He stated that the country cannot tolerate illegal immigration, while acknowledging concerns related to unemployment and businesses hiring unregistered foreign workers.

Position on the Migration Crisis

Motsepe made these statements during a CAF press conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday. He noted that citizens' concerns about job losses are justified. Furthermore, he emphasized that there is an equally valid concern when local businesses hire people from outside the continent because they agree to work for low wages, which he called wrong.

He stressed that South Africa must address the issue of illegal immigration while encouraging cooperation among African states. Motsepe added that CAF will issue statements supporting this position, insisting that illegality will not be tolerated and cannot be supported.

Need for Job Creation

Motsepe believes that African countries must join forces to create economic opportunities and reduce the pressure that triggers migration. He pointed out that if jobs are not created in regions such as Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, or the Eastern Cape, people will leave rural areas and move to cities in search of work. Therefore, joint efforts are necessary to create jobs in neighboring countries.

Context of Protests and Government Reaction

These comments came amid growing protests against illegal immigration, during which some groups demanded the deportation of foreign nationals. Hundreds of migrants continue to arrive at the Musina Repatriation Centre in Limpopo while authorities conduct deportations and voluntary repatriations. Some foreigners have returned to countries such as Mozambique and Malawi, while others remain without means to return home.

The voluntary repatriation program has also drawn criticism from some African countries, including Ghana. Previously, a representative of the Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, stated that the government is concerned about a campaign aimed at isolating South Africa from the continent following tensions related to anti-immigration protests. Magwenya noted that despite official statements condemning vigilantism, the state affirms its obligation to ensure compliance with immigration law.

He also expressed concern over the spread of disinformation by a diplomatic representative, later clarifying that the reference was to the High Commissioner of Ghana. Magwenya added that despite this false campaign, South Africa is not isolated and remains committed to engagement with African countries and the international community.

The South African government stated that Ghana is at the center of a growing dispute related to claims of isolating the country due to its policy on illegal immigration.

Accusations of Isolation Campaign

The Presidency expressed concern that South Africa is being subjected to a coordinated campaign aimed at separating it from the rest of the continent following tensions arising around protests against illegal immigration. The Presidency representative, Vincent Magwenya, voiced these remarks during a press briefing at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.

Despite increasing criticism regarding its immigration stance, Magwenya emphasized that South Africa remains committed to cooperating with African partners to build a more prosperous and stronger continent. These statements came amid the ongoing voluntary repatriation of undocumented migrants, which has drawn negative reactions in several African countries.

Nature of the Campaign and Rebuttals

According to Magwenya, over the past two months, the government has observed a sustained campaign whose goal was to isolate South Africa from the continent under the pretext of protests against the recent wave of demonstrations against illegal immigration. He reported that this campaign attempted to create the impression that South Africa had become an outcast that should be handed over to international courts.

Magwenya noted that this occurs despite numerous official government statements condemning acts of vigilantism against foreigners, confirming the state's primary role in enforcing immigration law, and reaffirming commitment to the rule of law. The government is particularly concerned about the spread of false information, which, according to his description, is promoted by a diplomatic representative who has become a central figure in this campaign.

He added that even routine diplomatic contacts concerning meetings are intentionally distorted to create the appearance of South Africa's isolation. The government firmly rejects and warns against the dissemination of inaccurate information about South Africa, stating that any campaign seeking to distort the essence and representation of South Africa will be met with extreme disdain.

Confirmation of Link to Ghana

Magwenya stated that recent evidence shows that this false campaign, however controversial, is weakening, and South Africa is not isolated. He confirmed that the country remains closely connected to the African continent and the rest of the world. When asked if he was referring to the Ghanaian government, Magwenya confirmed it. He reported that concerns were directly expressed to the High Commissioner of Ghana by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Furthermore, ministers, particularly the Minister of Justice Kubayi, chairing the IMC, urged the High Commissioner to make efforts to verify the information he publishes by engaging with relevant authorities.