South Africa Calls for Regional Unity Amid Anti-Migrant Protests

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to regional leaders for joint efforts to address the complex issue of migration into South Africa. Speaking at the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Durban, Ramaphosa highlighted the "challenge of migration" as a significant concern for the continent.

His remarks come in the wake of widespread protests by populist groups demanding the departure of undocumented foreign nationals. These demonstrations have prompted over 176,000 foreign nationals to leave South Africa in recent weeks, according to figures compiled by African governments. Ramaphosa acknowledged the understanding shown by regional countries and expressed regret for the negative experiences faced by nationals from other countries within South Africa.

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We thanked countries in our region for their understanding of the challenges that we faced and, in some respects, continue to face. We also expressed a wish that we should all work together to address the challenge of migration.

"We also expressed a wish that we should all work together to address the challenge of migration," Ramaphosa stated, emphasizing the need for a collective response. South Africa, historically a destination for migrants due to its economic standing, is currently grappling with a high unemployment rate exceeding 30 percent and deep-seated inequality.

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We are here to tell you to come and fetch your people who are here in South Africa illegally.

Earlier on the day of the summit's closing, approximately 300 anti-migrant protesters gathered near the venue, urging leaders to "fetch their people." March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma specifically referenced citizens from Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, who constitute the majority of foreign nationals who have departed. While some left voluntarily, others were deported or assisted by government repatriation programs.

Ramaphosa has previously described the recent ill-treatment of foreign nationals as a source of deep concern and shame for South Africa. Violence associated with the anti-migrant sentiment has resulted in the deaths of at least four migrants, according to South African police, though some foreign governments report higher figures. The handling of these protests and subsequent violence has drawn criticism from nations outside the SADC bloc, including Ghana and Nigeria.

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South Africa was 'deeply concerned and ashamed that nationals from other countries have in recent months been subjected to discrimination and ill-treatment'.