As Ramaphosa takes over SADC’s chairship, South Africa will prioritise migration governance, critical minerals, regional trade, infrastructure and human development while seeking closer regional cooperation.
South Africa will push SADC countries to adopt a more orderly approach to migration and sign a protocol allowing the free movement of people as President Cyril Ramaphosa takes over the regional bloc’s chairship.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said migration governance would be among South Africa’s priorities during its chairship, amid growing debate over irregular migration, border integrity, access to economic opportunities and pressure on communities and public institutions.
Phiri said South Africa recognised the legitimate concerns of its citizens but rejected vigilantism and human rights violations.
“Addressing the challenges associated with irregular migration must occur within an orderly and lawful framework,” Phiri said, speaking to IOL.
