Lamola clarifies xenophobia reports in call with WHO chief

Lamola

Cape Town – International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa has clarified reports of alleged xenophobic killings during a teleconference with World Health Organisation Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, amid growing international concern over anti-immigrant tensions in the country.

On Monday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the recent surge in anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa, describing the reported incidents as a betrayal of the country’s legacy of freedom, human rights and justice.

The comments came amid escalating protests against illegal immigration in several provinces, some of which have required police intervention after demonstrators allegedly threatened foreign nationals and targeted their businesses and property.

In a post on X, Ghebreyesus said he was deeply troubled by reports of violence against migrants, which he said had reportedly resulted in deaths, displaced thousands of people and forced many others to seek refuge elsewhere.

“It is profoundly heartbreaking to witness another surge of xenophobic violence in South Africa this week. Hundreds have marched on Parliament, thousands of families have been displaced, and lives have been tragically cut short,” he said.

In a statement on Tuesday, Lamola said he and Tedros held a “constructive and cordial” discussion on concerns surrounding xenophobia and violence against foreign nationals in South Africa.

According to Lamola, the South African government clarified that the deaths of five Ethiopian nationals recently reported were not linked to xenophobic violence but were instead believed to be related to organised crime within the Ethiopian community.

“We clarified that the tragic deaths of five Ethiopian nationals are linked to organised crime within the Ethiopian community in South Africa, rather than xenophobic violence,” Lamola said.

The minister also disputed reports that five Mozambican nationals had been killed during recent unrest, saying only two deaths had been confirmed.

“Reports of five deaths are inaccurate. Unfortunately, two have been confirmed, and the South African Police Service is investigating these murders with the utmost seriousness,” he said.

Lamola said the government strongly condemns all acts of violence and stressed that such incidents do not reflect the values of South Africa or its people.

He warned that those responsible for violent acts would face prosecution, while also cautioning against individuals and groups using migration-related concerns to advance political, personal or criminal agendas.

The minister acknowledged that irregular migration remains a significant challenge for South Africa but said it must be addressed lawfully and humanely.

“The enforcement of immigration law is the responsibility of mandated authorities and not private individuals,” Lamola said.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions over undocumented migration and calls for stricter immigration enforcement in parts of the country.

Lamola further emphasised that migration challenges require a coordinated continental response focused on addressing the root causes of migration, including the economic, social and political factors that drive people to leave their home countries.

The South African government has repeatedly maintained that while immigration laws will be enforced, violence, intimidation and vigilantism against foreign nationals will not be tolerated.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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