Tinotenda Hove- South Africa’s government has defended its immigration policies and commitment to Pan-Africanism amid growing debate on migration and xenophobia following Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The defeat sparked widespread reactions across social media, with some African football supporters openly backing Mexico rather than South Africa.

Many commentators attributed the sentiment to longstanding concerns over xenophobia and the treatment of foreign nationals living in South Africa.

In a statement released on Thursday, the South African government rejected perceptions that the country is hostile to migrants, highlighting its role as one of Africa’s largest destinations for immigrants.

“According to a conservative estimate, South Africa is home to approximately three million migrants, 90 percent of whom are from the African continent, thus making South Africa the largest host of African immigrants in the world,” the government said.

Authorities noted that immigrants have become an integral part of South African society and contribute to strengthening people-to-people relations between South Africa and other African nations.

“Most of these immigrants have integrated into South African society and form a vital bridge between South Africa and their countries of origin at a people-to-people level,” the statement said.

The government acknowledged that tensions have occasionally arisen between local citizens and foreign nationals, particularly amid economic hardships, unemployment, and pressures on public services.

“It is also a fact that South Africa’s history of migration and its diverse foreign-born population have intersected with economic anxieties around unemployment and service delivery, contributing to periodic tensions between some locals and foreign nationals,” the statement said.

South Africa further emphasized its commitment to regional and continental migration frameworks, noting that it is among seven Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states that have ratified the 2005 SADC Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons.
The government revealed that it is reviewing its immigration policies to better address current challenges while maintaining a humane approach to migration management.

Measures being implemented include strengthening border management systems, introducing a points-based visa framework, and modernizing immigration administration.

Since April 2023, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has deported approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants, while plans are underway to redevelop six of the country’s busiest land border posts.

The statement also addressed concerns raised by Ghana regarding irregular migration, expressing disappointment that the matter had been escalated to the African Union.

“South Africa remains open to continued diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue with any State on matters of mutual concern,” the government said.