Tinotenda Hove – South Africa has rejected Ghana’s push to debate alleged xenophobic attacks at the next African Union summit, insisting it acted immediately to condemn the incidents and safeguard everyone in the country.

In a statement on Friday, 8 May, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it noted Ghana’s request to include the matter on the agenda for the AU Mid-Year Coordination Summit in Cairo on 24 June.

The diplomatic rift stems from clashes earlier this month in parts of South Africa where groups targeted nationals from other African countries. Pretoria said it condemned the intimidation without delay and directed police to move against those involved. Authorities added they are working to protect citizens, residents and visitors while upholding constitutional and legal standards.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the issue during Freedom Day commemorations on 27 April, warning against allowing concerns over illegal migration to spill into hostility toward foreigners. He also recalled the backing African states gave South Africa during the fight against apartheid.

“We did not walk alone into freedom,” Ramaphosa said, reminding South Africans that neighbouring countries sheltered liberation fighters and supported the anti-apartheid struggle. He urged citizens not to “trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible”.

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has since been engaging counterparts, including officials from Ghana and Nigeria, to calm tensions and clarify the situation.

Pretoria dismissed online claims that Ghanaians and Nigerians were killed in the recent unrest, saying there was “no credible evidence” for those reports. Officials also cautioned against manipulated videos and fabricated content circulating on social media.

Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, ubuntu and continental solidarity, arguing that migration issues should be handled through bilateral mechanisms like Bi-National Commissions and stronger early warning systems.

While expressing regret over Ghana’s decision to escalate the issue to the AU, Pretoria said it remains open to diplomatic engagement and constructive talks.

The government is also overhauling its migration policy through a new White Paper. Proposals include a points-based visa regime, an Intelligent Population Register to tighten documentation and border controls, and a regional refugee framework based on shared responsibility.

Officials highlighted the Border Management Authority’s record, noting 500,000 deportations of undocumented individuals since April 2023. Plans are underway to upgrade six major land border posts through public-private partnerships.

South Africa maintained that migration challenges require practical cooperation rather than blame, stressing the need to address the underlying drivers of irregular movement.

If the AU proceeds with Ghana’s proposal, Pretoria said it will call for a broader debate covering the economic, political and governance factors driving migration across the continent.

“Migration must be managed through cooperation, compassion and continental responsibility,” Lamola said, adding that South Africa would continue to pursue solidarity, the rule of law and the safety of all people within its borders.