International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called for a continent-wide approach to migration.
Image: File
The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has pushed back against allegations of xenophobia and discrimination, insisting that it is committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all people within its borders while engaging with West African countries over migration concerns.
In a statement on Wednesday, DIRCO said it had noted the final communiqué issued following the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri stressed that South Africa regards ECOWAS as a key pillar of continental integration.
He said, “In the spirit of Pan-African solidarity, South Africa remains deeply committed to open, constructive, and action-oriented dialogue with ECOWAS Member States on matters of mutual concern, most notably regional stability and migration management.”
“South Africa reiterates, in the strongest terms, its unyielding stance against all forms of social prejudice.
“We categorically reject xenophobia, racism, homophobia, and intolerance and discrimination in all their manifestations.”
Phiri said upholding the dignity of every person within South Africa’s borders was both a constitutional imperative and a moral duty.
“South Africa remains steadfast in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that those who perpetrate violence or unlawful acts are held fully accountable under our judicial system.
“While South Africa continues to proactively resolve specific bilateral matters with West African partners, such as Ghana and Nigeria, our most high-volume migration dynamics are naturally concentrated within our immediate region, the Southern African Development Community (SADC).”
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said he welcomed the opportunity to engage on migration at the highest level of the African Union Heads of State Summit to ensure that migration across the continent becomes a choice rather than a necessity.
“Establishing a dedicated agenda item at the African Union to address the primary push-and-pull factors and root causes of irregular migration, focusing squarely on good governance, democracy, and economic stability, will enable a pragmatic, comprehensive approach to continental migration challenges,” Lamola said.
DIRCO also responded to what it described as an “opportunistic” petition submitted to the International Criminal Court by two Ghanaian civilians, saying the filing does not meet the legal requirements for intervention by the court.
“Furthermore, under the foundational principle of complementarity, South Africa maintains full confidence in its domestic legal framework.”
“Critically, legislation such as the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act directly gives effect to the Republic’s obligations under the Constitution and international human rights instruments concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.”
“This legal framework specifically provides for distinct offences such as hate crimes and hate speech, ensuring the prosecution of any persons who commit such offences,” Phiri added.
IOL Politics