Ronald Lamola has called for restraint and responsible diplomacy as African countries grapple with growing tensions surrounding illegal immigration and anti-migrant protests.
Speaking during a public symposium on Monday, Lamola warned political leaders against using migration issues to score domestic political points, saying inflammatory rhetoric could deepen divisions across the continent.
The event, held under the theme “South Africa’s foreign policy in an era of global fragmentation”, focused on trade, geopolitics, international law, and regional cooperation. The discussions also coincided with celebrations marking Africa Day.
Lamola’s remarks come at a time when South Africa is experiencing heightened protests linked to illegal immigration, with anti-immigration movements demanding tougher border enforcement and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
Migration debate should not fuel division
Lamola said discussions surrounding migration must be handled carefully and should not be directed solely at domestic political audiences.
According to the minister, politicising immigration issues risks creating a more polarised and confrontational environment across Africa.
He urged governments and political organisations to rely on facts, data, and existing regional agreements rather than emotional or populist messaging.
“We need restraint, sober engagements, and discussions informed by evidence, statistics, and the protocols that African countries have signed,” Lamola said.
The minister stressed that migration challenges are closely tied to broader economic realities affecting many African nations, including unemployment, inequality, and uneven development.
Analysts say migration has increasingly become a politically sensitive topic in several African countries as governments face pressure over economic hardship, security concerns, and social instability.
Calls for responsible leadership and diplomacy
Lamola also warned against the spread of misinformation and inflammatory narratives surrounding migration and foreign nationals.
He said African leaders have a responsibility to prevent public discourse from escalating into hostility or social fragmentation.
The minister’s comments reflect growing concerns among policymakers that anti-immigration rhetoric could damage regional relations and undermine long-standing African cooperation frameworks.
South Africa has recently seen intensified demonstrations against illegal immigration, with some protest groups insisting their campaigns target undocumented migrants rather than foreign nationals generally.
However, civil society groups and human rights organisations have repeatedly warned that anti-illegal-immigration protests can contribute to xenophobic tensions and violence if not carefully managed.
Political analysts note that migration remains one of the continent’s most complex policy challenges, involving economic opportunity, labour movement, border management, and humanitarian protections.
Lamola said African governments must continue engaging through diplomatic channels and regional agreements to address migration pressures in a constructive and coordinated manner.
He added that responsible leadership requires rejecting disinformation and preventing public debates from fuelling further division.
Source: Adapted from symposium remarks and public statements by Ronald Lamola.