President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended South Africans against accusations of xenophobia, saying the country is committed to peaceful coexistence while working to address challenges linked to migration.
His remarks came during a state visit by Kenyan President William Ruto to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, where the two leaders discussed migration, trade, regional integration and economic cooperation.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of growing anti-illegal immigration protests in several South African provinces. Demonstrations have intensified in recent weeks, prompting police intervention in some areas after concerns emerged over threats directed at foreign nationals and their businesses.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that migration remains a sensitive issue but stressed that South Africans are not inherently hostile toward people from other African countries.
Migration Debate Continues as Government Seeks Solutions
Addressing the issue during discussions with Ruto, Ramaphosa said citizens expect government leaders to manage the pressures associated with migration while preserving social cohesion.
According to the president, South Africans want to live peacefully alongside fellow Africans, but they also expect authorities to respond effectively to concerns surrounding undocumented migration, service delivery pressures and economic competition.
The debate has gained momentum following protests organised by groups calling for stricter immigration enforcement. One of the organisations involved, March and March, has publicly demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by 30 June.
Migration has remained a recurring political and social issue in South Africa for more than two decades. Periodic outbreaks of violence targeting foreign nationals have drawn international attention and prompted repeated calls for stronger migration management, community engagement and regional cooperation.
Government officials have consistently maintained that criminality and immigration enforcement should not be confused with xenophobia, while civil society organisations continue to advocate for the protection of migrants’ rights.
South Africa and Kenya Strengthen Strategic Partnership
Beyond migration, the visit focused heavily on economic cooperation and continental development.
Ramaphosa described Kenya as one of South Africa’s most important strategic partners in East Africa. He highlighted the shared commitment of both countries to democracy, peace, regional integration and sustainable development across Africa.
Several new Memoranda of Understanding were signed during the visit, aimed at expanding cooperation between the two nations. Ramaphosa also praised Kenya’s influence within East Africa, describing the country as a gateway to the region and an important voice on matters relating to peace, security and development.
Trade featured prominently in the discussions. Kenya remains South Africa’s largest trading partner in East Africa, with bilateral trade covering sectors ranging from manufacturing and agriculture to financial services and technology.
Ruto echoed calls for deeper economic integration, arguing that the African Continental Free Trade Area should serve as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation and inclusive economic growth across the continent.
Both leaders reaffirmed their support for the African Union and broader regional integration efforts. Ramaphosa said the visit had created a strong platform for future collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure development, industrialisation and skills training.
The state visit reflects a broader push by African governments to strengthen intra-African partnerships at a time when regional trade, migration management and economic development are increasingly interconnected.
Source: The Citizen / South African Government Statements