South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, says migration is not a problem in itself, but irregular migration remains a challenge for the country.
Lamola was speaking during his opening remarks at the SADC Ministers of Foreign Affairs retreat, held from 22 to 24 May 2026 at Kruger National Park, Skukuza.
He also condemned attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
“South Africa recognises migration as an important contributor to regional development when it is managed properly and effectively. No country is an island and can succeed in isolation,” said Lamola.
“The South African government has condemned in the strongest terms any attacks against Foreign Nationals, and that no one has the power to take the law into their own hands; it is the responsibility of law enforcement to enforce the law, not private citizens.
“Migration itself is not a problem. The challenge facing South Africa is irregular migration.”
Lamola said South Africa is one of seven SADC countries, out of 16 member states, to have ratified the 2005 SADC Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons and aligns itself with the African Union Free Movement of Persons Protocol.
“For this reason, the region and the continent must hold constructive and comprehensive discussions on the push and pull factors of migration, including the related socio-economic, governance and security dimensions,” added Lamola.
“These discussions must also include the principle of burden sharing, with proper attention given to countries of origin, transit and destination. The driving forces of irregular migration must be examined honestly and collectively.”
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