Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday met with religious and interfaith leaders at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to discuss migration and the National Dialogue, as government continues to implement a comprehensive approach to migration management. The meeting follows government's recent announcement of measures aimed at managing migration and comes amid growing public concern over illegal immigration.
According to South African Government News Agency, this engagement follows concerns raised by South Africans about migration, particularly illegal immigration. President Ramaphosa highlighted that these concerns arise amidst high unemployment, poverty, and communities impacted by crime, violence, and corruption, which increases pressure on public services. However, he emphasized that illegal immigration is not the root cause of South Africa's social and economic challenges.
President Ramaphosa stated that faster, inclusive growth, investment, and job creation are needed to address the country's challenges. He called for efforts to tackle poverty and hunger, build safer communities, and address crime and corruption. Migration, he noted, should be managed constructively, adhering to Constitutional principles and shared values.
The President urged religious and interfaith leaders to collaborate with the government and social partners to ensure that frustration over migration does not lead to hatred or intolerance. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating constructive ways to manage these concerns to build community cohesion and strengthen bonds.
President Ramaphosa also highlighted the significance of the National Dialogue, which, like migration, touches on the values that unify South Africans and the shared responsibility to build a better future. He underscored the role of faith communities in ensuring the success and inclusivity of this dialogue, as these communities reach every village, township, and suburb.
The religious and interfaith leaders expressed support for the government's comprehensive migration management approach, anchored on enforcement of migration laws, securing borders, strengthening immigration systems, closing legal gaps, and working with other African countries diplomatically.
Concerns raised by these leaders include strengthening law enforcement's response to vigilantism, enhancing government communication, increasing diplomatic engagement, and addressing specific issues in Sherwood, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The government stated that the Department of Home Affairs has initiated deportation proceedings through priority courts to expedite the departure of Malawian nationals, addressing capacity challenges in the Malawian government's repatriation efforts. The Department of Social Development will mobilize resources for relief assistance.
President Ramaphosa thanked the religious and interfaith leaders for their contributions and input during the discussions.