South Africa: Ramaphosa Rejects Xenophobia Label, Calls for African Solutions

Nairobi — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected claims of xenophobia, instead describing migration pressures as a continental challenge that requires African-led solutions, deeper economic integration and shared prosperity across the continent.

Speaking during President William Ruto's State Visit to Pretoria on Thursday, Ramaphosa said migration featured prominently in bilateral talks as both leaders addressed growing concerns over anti-foreigner sentiment and tensions linked to undocumented migration in South Africa.

"I explained that South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are Africans. They want to live with other Africans peacefully," Ramaphosa said.

The South African leader acknowledged that migration was placing pressure on communities and public services but stressed that the challenge was not unique to South Africa and required collective action from African governments.

"Our people are calling on us as leaders to resolve the many challenges brought about by migration," he said, adding that Pretoria was taking measures to address the issue.

His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa following recent protests calling for tougher action against undocumented migrants.

Several African countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, have urged their citizens to remain vigilant amid rising tensions.

Ramaphosa, however, sought to shift the focus away from accusations of xenophobia and toward the underlying economic factors driving migration.

President Ruto echoed the sentiment, arguing that migration pressures are largely the result of uneven economic development across the continent.

"I think part of the challenge South Africa is facing is that it is a much more developed country and therefore it is easier for people to come here in search of services and opportunities," Ruto said.

"The answer is to ensure that services and opportunities exist everywhere across our continent."

Ruto linked the migration debate to ongoing African Union reforms, arguing that a stronger and more effective continental body would help African nations create jobs, attract investment and reduce competition over scarce opportunities.

"It is important and imperative for us to create opportunities everywhere in our continent so that Africans can move together in prosperity and not unnecessarily create conflict," he said.

The two leaders used the occasion to champion the principle of African solutions to African problems, presenting deeper continental integration as a long-term r