Ramaphosa urges firm migration, warns against scapegoating as President Cyril Ramaphosa called for a balanced and lawful approach to migration across Africa, stressing that governments must enforce immigration laws while protecting the dignity and rights of lawful migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

Speaking during the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand on Monday, the President said African nations must work together to manage migration fairly while addressing the underlying causes that force people to leave their home countries.

Ramaphosa warned against increasing hostility towards migrants, saying they should not be blamed for social and economic problems such as unemployment, crime or poor service delivery.

The address comes amid heightened public debate surrounding illegal migration South Africa, border security and incidents involving foreign nationals in several communities.

Ramaphosa migration management focuses on law and human dignity

President Ramaphosa said migration has always been part of Africa’s history and development but insisted that governments have a responsibility to distinguish between lawful migrants and those who violate immigration laws.

“We must not conflate lawful migrants, refugees and asylum seekers with people who enter or remain in countries in violation of immigration laws,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that South Africa remains committed to protecting constitutional rights while strengthening immigration enforcement.

According to Ramaphosa, government has adopted measures aimed at improving immigration management, reducing tensions and ensuring that everyone living within South Africa’s borders respects the rights of others.

“Our response must combine firm, fair and effective immigration management with an unwavering defence of human dignity and the rule of law,” he said.

The President reiterated that South Africa rejects vigilantism, intimidation and violence directed at foreign nationals.

South Africa rejects xenophobia and anti-migrant violence

Ramaphosa acknowledged that South Africa has experienced incidents of xenophobia, anti-migrant sentiment and violence against foreign nationals.

He said misinformation, prejudice and fear have contributed to tensions in several communities.

“As the South African government, we have taken a firm stance against any form of intimidation, vigilantism or violence directed at foreign nationals,” Ramaphosa said.

The President stressed that while South Africa will continue enforcing immigration legislation, this should never come at the expense of constitutional values or basic human rights.

He warned that migrants should not become convenient political or social scapegoats.

“Nor should migrants be made scapegoats for unemployment, crime or shortcomings in the delivery of public services,” he said.

Ramaphosa added that sustainable migration policies must balance border security with compassion and respect for international legal obligations.

Pan-African Parliament urged to tackle migration together

Root causes require continental cooperation

Addressing members of the Pan-African Parliament, Ramaphosa argued that migration cannot be solved through border enforcement alone.

Instead, African countries must confront the structural challenges that continue to drive migration across the continent.

He identified several contributing factors, including:

• Armed conflict
• Political instability
• Poverty
• Governance failures
• Economic inequality
• Limited employment opportunities

“We need to work together to address issues like conflict, instability, governance failures, poverty and social discord,” he said.

Ramaphosa said Africa should create conditions where migration becomes a matter of opportunity rather than survival.

“We must work for a future where Africans migrate out of choice and not necessity.”

He urged governments to deepen regional cooperation through stronger institutions and improved governance.

National Water Action Plan (NWAP) highlighted as key reform

Beyond migration, Ramaphosa used his address to discuss water security, describing access to clean water as one of Africa’s most urgent development priorities.

He said climate change, ageing infrastructure, pollution and underinvestment continue placing enormous pressure on water systems across the continent.

“Water insecurity does not respect national borders,” he said.

“Many of Africa’s rivers, lakes and groundwater systems are shared between countries.”

Ramaphosa explained that South Africa is responding through the National Water Action Plan (NWAP).

The plan focuses on:

• Rehabilitating ageing infrastructure
• Improving municipal accountability
• Mobilising private investment
• Strengthening water governance
• Expanding access to safe drinking water

He said cooperation between African countries would be essential to securing sustainable water resources for future generations.

AfCFTA central to Africa’s economic future

Trade integration remains a priority

Ramaphosa also called on lawmakers to support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He described the trade agreement as one of Africa’s most important economic projects.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area is undoubtedly the most powerful instrument we have to realise our cherished goal of African unity, prosperity and progress,” Ramaphosa said.

He encouraged African governments to remove trade barriers and improve regional connectivity by:

• Modernising transport infrastructure
• Harmonising regulations
• Improving customs procedures
• Expanding cross-border payment systems
• Supporting African businesses

According to Ramaphosa, greater economic integration will help create employment, reduce poverty and strengthen Africa’s competitiveness in global markets.

Democracy and governance remain essential

The President also challenged the Pan-African Parliament to strengthen democratic institutions across the continent.

He warned against unconstitutional changes of government and the misuse of public resources.

“This Parliament must be resolute in defending constitutional democracy,” Ramaphosa said.

He urged lawmakers to promote transparency, accountability and responsible governance.

Ramaphosa argued that democratic institutions remain critical for economic growth, political stability and social development.

He said the success of the seventh legislature should ultimately be measured by improvements in the daily lives of ordinary Africans.

“History will judge us not by the speeches we deliver, but by the Africa we build,” he said.

Balancing security and human rights

Ramaphosa acknowledged that many African countries, including South Africa, face genuine immigration challenges.

However, he warned that effective migration policies require both strong enforcement and respect for human dignity.

Government, he said, will continue strengthening immigration controls while rejecting xenophobia and protecting lawful migrants.

Analysts note that the President’s remarks come at a time when migration has become one of South Africa’s most debated political issues, particularly regarding border management, undocumented migrants and pressures on public services.

His message sought to reinforce that immigration enforcement and constitutional protections should work together rather than compete with one another.

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Looking ahead

Ramaphosa urges firm migration, warns against scapegoating as South Africa continues balancing immigration enforcement with constitutional protections for lawful migrants and refugees.

Addressing the Pan-African Parliament, the President called for African nations to confront the root causes of migration through economic development, peace, democratic governance and stronger regional cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of the National Water Action Plan (NWAP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as key initiatives supporting Africa’s long-term stability and prosperity.

As debates around illegal migration South Africa continue, Ramaphosa’s address reaffirmed government’s position that migration must be managed firmly and fairly, while rejecting xenophobia, vigilantism and the scapegoating of foreign nationals.

Referrences from mainstream media