DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a strong call for unified regional action to manage irregular migration to South Africa, addressing a 16-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit on Monday. The push for joint cooperation comes in the wake of a severe backlash against foreign nationals that recently prompted thousands to flee the country.
As the continent’s wealthiest economy, South Africa has historically been a major destination for cross-border migrants seeking opportunity. However, the nation is currently navigating severe domestic headwinds, including massive wealth inequality and an unemployment rate that remains stubbornly above 30 percent. These socioeconomic pressures have increasingly complicated the migration landscape and fueled recent social tensions.
Delivering the closing address at the coastal city of Durban, President Cyril Ramaphosa briefed the regional bloc on the multifaceted nature of the migration challenge. He stressed that the abstract concept of regional integration must translate into tangible benefits, noting that it “must be seen and felt in the daily lives of our people.”
Highlighting the interconnectedness of security and economic progress, the president warned that “peace without development is fragile,” while adding that “development without peace is impossible.” He argued that lasting stability is a non-negotiable prerequisite for solving the region’s broader political and social challenges.
To achieve this stability, Ramaphosa advocated for a proactive approach centered on preventative diplomacy, mediation, and sustained political dialogue. He specifically urged member states to bolster the effectiveness of the SADC Panel of Elders, the Organ Troika, and other vital regional institutions to better manage cross-border dynamics.
Concluding his remarks, the president emphasized the necessity of resolving regional differences through constructive dialogue rather than conflict. He called on all member states to uphold their shared democratic principles and to act collectively whenever the peace and stability of the broader region face threats.
