South Africa rejects allegations of xenophobia

South Africa has rejected accusations of xenophobia, describing recent incidents involving foreign nationals as isolated cases while reaffirming its commitment to dialogue with African countries on migration issues.

The response followed a request by Ghana for the African Union (AU) to discuss what it termed “xenophobic attacks” in South Africa at next month’s AU Mid-Year Coordination Summit.

In a statement reported by tell.co.ke, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said Government had strongly condemned recent confrontations and intimidation targeting some immigrants since late April.

Protests against illegal migration, some turning violent, have been reported in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, with demonstrators accusing foreign nationals of taking jobs and business opportunities.

DIRCO said law enforcement agencies had been directed to ensure the safety of citizens, residents and visitors, and to bring perpetrators to justice.

The department added that Foreign Affairs Minister, Ronald Lamola, had engaged counterparts in Ghana and Nigeria to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to protecting all people living in the country.

DIRCO also dismissed social media claims that Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals had been killed during the protests, saying there was no credible evidence supporting the allegations.

According to the department, about three million migrants live in South Africa, with around 90 percent originating from other African countries.

Government acknowledged that unemployment, irregular migration and economic pressures have at times fuelled tensions between local communities and foreign nationals.

Pretoria said it remained committed to regional migration frameworks and is reviewing its immigration policies to better manage migration challenges through cooperation and dialogue.

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