As the government tries to contain rising anti-migrant tensions in SA, defence minister Angie Motsekga says it will not take a “Trump wall” approach to border security.She says South Africa intends to use its current leadership role in regional structures to press neighbouring countries to take greater responsibility for border management and not leave Pretoria to shoulder the burden alone. In recent weeks, a wave of anti-immigrant protests, partly led by civil organisation March and March, has erupted in major cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, KuGompo and Cape Town. The marches, which have turned violent at times, have placed South Africa in the crosshairs of its fellow African countries. The Sunday Times reported that African ambassadors had chosen to opt out of Monday’s Africa Day celebrations in North West over the alleged treatment of their nationals. On Monday, cabinet members of the security cluster — the departments of justice, home affairs, labour, police and defence — held an emergency meeting with leaders of the anti-immigration protests to establish the rules of engagement for the protests. SA 🇿🇦is stepping up joint efforts with Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia & eSwatini to curb illegal migration within the region. The Border Management Authority has signed joint action plans with Lesotho, Mozambique & eSwatini, while bi-national commissions…— Thando Maeko (@HelloThando) May 25, 2026