Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has told his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto, that recent anti-illegal immigration protests in the country do not mean South Africans are xenophobic.
Ruto is on a three-day state visit which will see four major bilateral agreements signed between Pretoria and Nairobi to deepen ties and boost the two countries' tourism sectors.
“South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are Africans,” Ramaphosa said before concluding his welcome speech.
“They want to live in peace with other Africans, and our people are calling on us as leaders to solve the many challenges they face because of the challenge of migration.”
Ramaphosa said, “As South Africans, we are addressing this matter and I am glad that you also have a good understanding of this issue. By working together, South Africa and Kenya can help shape a peaceful, integrated and thriving African continent that is always able to solve its problems.”
In response, Ruto said countries needed to provide opportunities on the continent.
“Part of the challenge that South Africa faces is that it is a much more developed country in Africa and, therefore, it is easier for people to come here looking for services and opportunities. The answer to that is to ensure that services and opportunities are available everywhere on our continent.”
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Ruto said a fit-for-purpose African Union would help build solidarity among countries to avoid unnecessary competition over resources and opportunities.
The Kenyan president said, “I completely understand that people are competing for resources and opportunities. It is important for us to create opportunities everywhere on our continent.”
South Africa has seen a wave of anti-illegal immigration protests. In recent days, police said two Mozambican citizens were murdered in Moselle Bay over the weekend.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Malawi said it would begin the process of voluntary repatriation of its citizens. Last month, 300 Ghanaian citizens were repatriated from South Africa.