The move came after Ghana requested that the African Union (AU) debate at the upcoming AU Mid-Year Coordination Summit in June what it described as “xenophobic attacks” against African nationals in South Africa. In a statement, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the government had “swiftly condemned acts of confrontation and intimidation” following sporadic incidents since late April involving some immigrants, including citizens of fellow African countries.

Since late April, protests against illegal migration, some of which turned violent, have taken place in cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, with protesters accusing foreign nationals of taking jobs and business opportunities.

DIRCO said law enforcement agencies had been instructed to ensure the safety of citizens, residents and visitors, and to hold perpetrators accountable in accordance with the law. DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola has engaged counterparts from several African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, to brief them on developments and reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to protecting the rights of all people living in the country, said the department.

The department also dismissed social media claims that Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals had been killed during recent protests, saying there was “no credible evidence” to support such allegations.

According to DIRCO, about 3 million migrants currently reside in South Africa, around 90 percent of whom are from other African countries.

The government acknowledged that migration pressures, unemployment and irregular migration had at times contributed to tensions between local communities and foreign nationals. Pretoria reiterated its support for regional and continental migration frameworks, noting that many African countries continue to face economic and border management challenges linked to migration.

DIRCO said South Africa was reviewing its immigration policy framework to better address these challenges and remained open to “continued diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue” with African countries on issues of mutual concern.

“South Africa will continue to lead with a Pan-African heart,” Lamola said. “Our commitment is to solidarity, the rule of law, and the safety of all who reside within our borders. Migration must be managed through cooperation, compassion and continental responsibility.”

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Tayebwa hosted Amoru in his office at Parliament House on Thursday for substantive discussions regarding Uganda’s focal interests in the six countries of his Southern Africa accreditation.

In a tweet from his official account, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa commended Amoru’s unwavering dedication to advancing Uganda’s economic and developmental agenda and strengthening government-to-government ties.

Amb. Amoru, who holds accreditation to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho, expressed gratitude towards the Deputy Speaker for his leadership and support.

Pledging to further promote commercial and economic diplomacy, Amb. Amoru re-emphasized commitment to deepening bilateral ties and offering diligent service to Ugandans and friends of Uganda within his area of accreditation.

In the last one year, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria has demonstrated commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and all the six countries of accreditation in Southern Africa, achieving notable milestones.

Of particular significance are the successful hosting of the 2nd Session of the Uganda-South
Africa Joint Commission of Cooperation Kampala in 2022 and in Pretoria in 2023, President Museveni’s State Visit to South Africa in 2023, and two successful Uganda-South Africa Trade, Tourism, and Investment Summits held in Johannesburg and Kampala.

Additionally, Uganda secured an agreement on a roadmap for visa waivers for holders of ordinary
passports, and successfully organised a Business Forum in partnership with WESGRO in Western Cape.

November 2023 marked a monumental occasion in Pretoria with the inaugural Convention of Ugandans in Southern Africa, demonstrating the growing presence and influence of the Ugandan community in the region.

The meeting with the Deputy Speaker took place amidst a significant mission to Uganda by Scientists from Botswana, coordinated by Amb. Amoru, indicating an intent to facilitate the outcome of a vital bilateral meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and his Botswana counterpart, President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi.

This collaboration aims to address animal health and disease control, with a specific focus on Foot and Mouth Disease, with potential monumental benefits to Uganda’s export value for agricultural products such as milk and beef.

These achievements have solidified collaboration across various sectors, thereby amplifying their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations spanning from tourism and transport to
correctional services, prisons, and ICTs.

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