“We Cannot Preach Integration at Summits and Practice Exclusion in Our Streets”
In a blunt address in Durban, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called out recent anti-immigrant violence in the country. Speaking ahead of the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, Ramaphosa urged South Africans to remember their shared African history.
He did not hold back. Addressing a hall of regional leaders and scholars, he admitted that South Africa should feel deeply concerned and ashamed about how foreign nationals have been treated.
A Strong Warning Against Vigilante Actions
Over recent months, vigilante groups in parts of South Africa have targeted foreign nationals. These groups have staged street blockades, raided businesses, and demanded identity papers from residents. The pressure has forced thousands of migrants from neighboring countries—including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, and Nigeria to flee or seek voluntary repatriation.
While acknowledging economic strain and public service pressures in local communities, Ramaphosa drew a hard line between legitimate migration policy and lawless harassment:
“As South Africans, we are deeply concerned and ashamed that nationals from other countries have in recent months been subjected to discrimination and ill-treatment and were even forced to leave the country under threat of violence.”
He highlighted a glaring contradiction in regional politics:
“We cannot preach integration at summits and practice exclusion in the streets of our countries.”
Why Regional Solidarity Matters
South Africa’s political history makes this issue especially personal. During the anti-apartheid struggle, neighboring African nations provided shelter, political backing, and resources to South African freedom fighters.
Turning away from those same neighbors damages both moral ties and economic growth. Ramaphosa reminded the audience that Southern Africa was shaped by historical migration over thousands of years.
He stressed that true regional growth depends on the safe movement of people, goods, and services. Intimidating foreign workers does not solve local economic problems it harms the entire region’s future.
What Happens Next?
The South African government faces a delicate balancing act:
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Tightening Border Management: Law enforcement and border officials are stepping up legal border enforcement and addressing undocumented immigration within the law.
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Stopping Illegal Vigilante Actions: Authorities are under pressure to arrest perpetrators who commit assault, extortion, or property destruction under the banner of anti-immigrant protests.
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Rebuilding Continental Trust: Diplomatic ties with nations like Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi have grown strained following safety concerns and repatriations.
President Ramaphosa’s frank speech marks an essential step in acknowledging the crisis directly. However, turning rhetoric into street-level safety will be the real test for South African law enforcement in the months ahead.
