Lamola urges SADC to tackle drivers of migration to South Africa

Lamola urges SADC to tackle drivers of migration to South Africa

For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has called on SADC member states to focus on the underlying reasons people leave their countries for South Africa, arguing that migration should be treated as a regional issue requiring shared solutions.

Lamola made the remarks in his opening address at the SADC Ministers of Foreign Affairs retreat held from 22 to 24 May 2026 at Kruger National Park, Skukuza.

He said migration can support regional development when it is managed effectively, but warned that irregular migration remains a challenge for South Africa. “Migration itself is not a problem. The challenge facing South Africa is irregular migration,” Lamola said.

Lamola also condemned attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, saying law enforcement must be responsible for enforcing the law. “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,” he said.

To Advertise Inbox Us

He 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 that it aligns itself with the African Union Free Movement of Persons Protocol.

Lamola said the region should hold “constructive and comprehensive discussions” on push and pull factors driving migration, including socio-economic conditions, governance issues and security concerns. He said the conversations should also consider burden sharing between countries of origin, transit and destination.

“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,” Lamola said.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel for all the News from Mashonaland Central – Bindura, Mbire, Guruve, Mount Darwin, Rushinga, Shamva, Mazowe & Muzarabani