President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled plans for South Africa to deploy diplomatic envoys across the African continent and to international destinations worldwide, as part of an intensified strategy to address the complex migration issues affecting the country.
The announcement was delivered Thursday at the Union Buildings during a press briefing that concluded formal bilateral talks between President Ramaphosa and Kenyan President William Ruto, who was visiting South Africa on an official State Visit.
When asked about migration and its implications for regional stability, President Ramaphosa explained that the government is actively pursuing a spectrum of diplomatic approaches designed to secure stronger collaboration from nations both within Africa and internationally.
“We are considering a number of initiatives at the diplomatic level. We are talking to a number of sister countries on our continent, with a view of getting more understanding,” the President remarked.
In a clear signal of forthcoming action, President Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa will assign special representatives to engage directly with nations on matters linked to migration.
“There will be envoys. There will be people that we will [deploy], not only on the continent, but also around the world.”
The President clarified that the core objective is to widen the scope of international partnership on migration issues and to foster joint efforts aimed at resolving the fundamental drivers behind population movements.
“What we seek to do is to get the issue of migration… broadly and properly addressed, and… get as many key role players, countries, leaders and countries to work together to address the challenge of migration.”
These statements emerge amid heightened public scrutiny surrounding irregular migration and growing demands for government action on challenges associated with undocumented individuals.
President Ramaphosa underscored that migration is not a challenge confined to South Africa’s borders and necessitates a synchronized, multinational response.
“[African countries] should develop a much stronger method of helping each other to resolve problems, continental problems and national problems,” he stated.
He further noted that migration featured centrally in his dialogue with President Ruto, reinforcing the value of continental unity in crafting sustainable, long-term solutions.
“We have found joy in being able to talk at a deep level with various leaders, including with President Ruto, where we shared some thoughts and ideas on how best this challenge can be resolved.”
President Ramaphosa also expressed South Africa’s intention to draw lessons from other nations that have confronted comparable migration dynamics.
“South Africa is not the only country that is facing the challenge of migration, and we want one to learn from how others have dealt with it and how they’ve dealt with the intricate problems that we are dealing with.”
Acknowledging South Africa’s enduring appeal, the President noted that the country continues to attract individuals pursuing economic advancement and improved living standards.
“South Africa has become an oasis… of people who want to come here for a whole number of reasons.”
He emphasized that meaningful progress on migration management will depend on coordinated engagement among countries of origin, transit, and destination, alongside a deeper grasp of the socioeconomic forces propelling migration across the continent.
This diplomatic initiative is embedded within wider bilateral conversations between South Africa and Kenya focused on migration governance and regional stability.
Earlier in the State Visit, Presidents Ramaphosa and Ruto reached consensus that migration challenges should be met through enhanced continental collaboration, inclusive economic growth, and expanded opportunity creation throughout Africa.
Both leaders stressed that easing migration pressures will require African nations to jointly tackle unemployment, inequality, and underdevelopment, while simultaneously advancing regional integration and cooperative frameworks.