South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to address growing tensions linked to undocumented migration, warning that a “high influx” of arrivals has fuelled pressure on communities facing economic hardship and unemployment.
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Speaking alongside Botswana President Duma Boko in Gaborone on Thursday, Ramaphosa said migration had become a major regional challenge ahead of South Africa assuming the rotating SADC chairmanship in August.
“At the same time, we have experienced a high influx of undocumented immigrants,” Ramaphosa said. “This phenomenon has intersected with economic hardship and unemployment, contributing to tensions between some local communities and foreign nationals.”
He stressed that while many migrants had integrated into South African society and contributed positively, violence against foreign nationals could not be justified.
“We have strongly condemned those of our citizens who took the law into their own hands,” he added.
The remarks came during Ramaphosa’s state visit to Botswana, where both leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation on trade, investment and regional development.
President Boko called for deeper economic collaboration between the two neighbouring countries, saying there was still significant untapped potential in trade and investment.
South Africa and Botswana are holding the sixth session of the Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission, with several new agreements expected to be signed.
This article was originally published by Global South World and is republished here with permission. View the original article.
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