Pretoria – South Africa has responded to Ghana’s request for an African Union (AU) debate on what it termed “xenophobic attacks” against foreign African nationals, saying it remained committed to solidarity, the rule of law, and the safety of all who reside within its borders.
Ghana requested that the matter be ventilated at the upcoming AU Mid-Year Coordination Summit in Cairo on 24 June 2026.
While Pretoria acknowledged sporadic incidents earlier this month involving confrontations against immigrants, including citizens of fellow African states, it said Ghana’s move to “escalate concerns about irregular migration to the African Union was regrettable”.
The South African government said it swiftly condemned the acts and directed law enforcement agencies to act within the law to guarantee safety and prosecute perpetrators.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, during Freedom Day commemorations on 27 April, strongly denounced vigilante actions and reaffirmed solidarity with African nations.
“We did not walk alone into freedom,” President Ramaphosa reminded South Africans.
“We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others.
“These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes.
“They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves. The leaders and people of Africa kept our struggle alive.
“It cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible.
“We are a people who live the value of ubuntu. We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans.
“We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia, directed towards people from other African countries or other any parts of the world. Instead, we must insist that the law be upheld and enforced.”
SA International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has since engaged with African foreign ministers and ambassadors, including counterparts from Ghana and Nigeria, to assure them the incidents were being addressed.
However, Minister Lamola rejected claims that nationals from those countries were killed during protests, saying: “There is no credible evidence to draw this conclusion at this stage.”
Lamola cautioned against manipulated footage and fake videos circulating online.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Friday, 8 May 2026, Minister Lamaola emphasised South Africa’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, ubuntu, and solidarity, while highlighting strong bilateral ties with Ghana and Nigeria coordinated through Bi-National Commissions.
Minister Lamola invited counterparts to use these mechanisms to address migration challenges and implement early warning systems.
South Africa noted it hosts about three million migrants, 90 percent from the continent, making it the largest host of African immigrants.
While integration has largely succeeded, tensions have arisen due to unemployment and service delivery pressures.
The government is reviewing its immigration framework through a new White Paper on Migration, introducing measures such as a points-based visa system, an Intelligent Population Register, and strengthening the Border Management Authority, which has deported 500 000 people since 2023.
“South Africa will continue to lead with a Pan-African heart,” Minister Lamola said.
“Our commitment is to solidarity, the rule of law, and the safety of all who reside within our borders.
“Migration must be managed through cooperation, compassion, and continental responsibility.”
The South African government concluded by expressing openness to dialogue but described Ghana’s move to escalate concerns to the AU as regrettable.
If the matter is placed on the AU agenda, South Africa intends to propose a broader discussion on migration’s root causes, including governance, democracy, and the rule of law.
