South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that his country is xenophobic, insisting that migration pressures facing South Africa are a continental challenge that requires African-led solutions, stronger economic cooperation and shared prosperity across the continent.
Speaking during Kenyan President William Ruto’s State Visit to Pretoria on Thursday, Ramaphosa said migration was one of the key issues discussed by both leaders amid growing concerns over anti-foreigner sentiment and tensions surrounding undocumented migration in South Africa.
“I explained that South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are Africans. They want to live with other Africans peacefully,” Ramaphosa said.
The South African leader acknowledged that migration was placing increasing pressure on communities and public services but stressed that the problem was not unique to South Africa.
According to him, African leaders must work together to address the root causes of migration across the continent.
“Our people are calling on us as leaders to resolve the many challenges brought about by migration,” Ramaphosa stated.
His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa following recent protests demanding stricter action against undocumented migrants. Several African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, have urged their citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant amid rising tensions.
Ramaphosa, however, argued that the focus should be on addressing economic inequalities that drive migration rather than labeling South Africans as xenophobic.
President Ruto echoed the sentiment, noting that South Africa’s relatively advanced economy continues to attract migrants seeking jobs, opportunities and public services.
“I think part of the challenge South Africa is facing is that it is a much more developed country and therefore it is easier for people to come here in search of services and opportunities,” Ruto said.
“The answer is to ensure that services and opportunities exist everywhere across our continent,” he added.
Ruto linked the migration challenge to ongoing African Union reforms, stressing the need for African countries to create jobs, attract investments and reduce competition over limited economic opportunities.
Both leaders advocated deeper continental integration as a long-term solution to migration, trade barriers and security challenges.
Beyond migration, discussions centred on strengthening economic ties between Kenya and South Africa. The leaders highlighted progress in trade cooperation and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ramaphosa welcomed growing Kenyan exports to South Africa and praised the visa-free travel arrangement introduced between the two countries in 2022, saying it had boosted tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges.
“Reducing barriers can bring Africans closer together and advance the vision of Agenda 2063 to build the Africa we want,” he said.
The two countries also pledged to deepen cooperation in green energy, digital trade, agriculture, transport and skills development, while reaffirming their commitment to promoting peace and security across Africa.
“Working together, South Africa and Kenya can help shape a peaceful, integrated and thriving African continent,” Ramaphosa said.
