Pretoria: Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for a firm, fair, and compassionate approach to addressing migration, emphasizing its role in South Africa's historical and contemporary narrative. He urged that, guided by the spirit of Ubuntu, migration should serve as a unifying force to build a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous South Africa.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mashatile made these remarks during a special meeting with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, led by Kgosi Seathlolo, and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, chaired by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi. The meeting underscored the government's commitment to the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The five-pillar plan aims to address irregular migration, enhance border security, and enforce labor and immigration laws while upholding constitutional values and human dignity. Presidency Director-General Phindile Baleni shared ongoing efforts to tackle challenges posed by undocumented migrants, highlighting coordinated government action, improved border management, and enforcement measures that respect both sovereignty and human rights.
Traditional leaders emphasized their critical role as custodians of heritage and community integrity, particularly in rural and borderland areas. They pledged to support efforts to register businesses, maintain records of foreign nationals, and mediate community tensions arising from migration pressures, according to the Presidency.
The meeting concluded with strong support for President Ramaphosa's five-pillar plan, advocating for migration management that safeguards South Africa's sovereignty while strengthening democracy and fostering social cohesion.