Xenophobic violence against migrants in South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned recent xenophobic violence and the exclusion of foreign nationals within the country. Speaking at a Southern African Development Community (SADC) public lecture, Ramaphosa expressed shame over incidents where migrants were allegedly forced to leave under threats of violence, noting that such actions contradict regional principles of solidarity and integration.

Following these incidents, President Ramaphosa issued a formal apology to Mozambican President Daniel Chapo during a lecture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Ramaphosa stated that the criminal actions of certain citizens repudiate SADC solidarity and highlighted the contradiction of preaching integration at summits while practicing exclusion in local streets.

Mozambican Foreign Minister Maria dos Santos Lucas acknowledged the apology, noting that while the South African government has treated the issue as a matter of illegal migration, there were errors in how the situation was managed. President Chapo emphasized that violence is not a solution to migratory conflicts and called for a stronger SADC role in promoting safe migration. Discussions regarding compensation for affected Mozambicans remain ongoing and complex.