Migration across Africa cannot be addressed through border enforcement alone, President Cyril Ramaphosa said this week, urging governments across the continent to work together to tackle the underlying conditions forcing people to leave their home countries.
Speaking during the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand on 27 July, Ramaphosa said migration has become one of Africa’s defining policy challenges, requiring both stronger immigration management and deeper regional cooperation.
He warned that poorly managed migration could place increasing pressure on national security, social stability and public institutions if governments fail to respond in a coordinated manner.
According to the president, achieving African unity and economic integration will depend not only on facilitating movement across borders but also on addressing the economic and political realities that drive migration.
Stronger Regional Cooperation Needed To Address Root Causes
Ramaphosa argued that conflict, political instability, weak governance, poverty and limited economic opportunities continue to push millions of Africans to seek better lives elsewhere.
Rather than relying solely on stricter border controls, African governments should focus on creating conditions that allow citizens to remain and prosper in their own countries, he said.
The president called for greater investment, improved governance and sustained peace-building efforts across the continent, saying long-term development remains the most effective way to reduce forced migration.
He added that Africa should strive toward a future where people migrate because they choose to pursue opportunities—not because conflict or economic hardship leaves them with no alternative.
South Africa has increasingly highlighted regional cooperation through the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area as key mechanisms for promoting shared economic growth and reducing inequality between neighbouring countries.
Balancing Immigration Enforcement And Human Rights
Ramaphosa also addressed South Africa’s domestic debate surrounding illegal immigration, acknowledging growing public concern over border security, pressure on public services and employment.
He said anti-migrant sentiment has emerged in several communities, driven partly by misinformation and prejudice, but also by genuine concerns among some South Africans about the impact of illegal migration.
Despite these concerns, the president stressed that violence, intimidation and vigilantism against foreign nationals remain unacceptable.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration legislation while protecting the constitutional rights and dignity of everyone living within South Africa’s borders.
Ramaphosa further emphasised the importance of distinguishing between lawful migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and individuals who violate immigration laws.
He warned against treating all foreign nationals as illegal immigrants or making migrants scapegoats for broader challenges such as unemployment, crime or weaknesses in public service delivery.
The president said governments should pursue immigration policies that are firm, fair and effective while remaining consistent with international law and human rights obligations.
His remarks come as migration continues to dominate political and public discussion in South Africa, with authorities facing mounting pressure to strengthen border management while maintaining humanitarian protections for vulnerable people.
The address reflects a broader continental conversation about balancing national security, economic development and regional integration as Africa seeks sustainable solutions to one of its most complex long-term challenges.
Source: Presidency of South Africa / Pan-African Parliament