South Africa's Ronald Lamola addresses xenophobia claims after WHO Director-General raises concerns
via The Citizen2 min read
South Africa's International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola clarified reports of xenophobic violence following a teleconference with World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Dr. Ghebreyesus had condemned a wave of xenophobic threats in South Africa, describing it as a "tragic betrayal of the country's historic struggle for freedom and justice." He also expressed sadness over reports of renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals, which he stated had left several people dead and displaced thousands. Lamola, however, stressed that recent killings are linked to organized crime rather than xenophobia. He specifically clarified that the deaths of five Ethiopian nationals were connected to organized crime within the Ethiopian community in South Africa, and that reports of five Mozambican deaths were inaccurate, with at least two confirmed and under investigation. Lamola affirmed that these incidents do not reflect the South African government's values and that perpetrators will face legal consequences. He also acknowledged irregular migration as a challenge that needs to be managed humanely and within the law, emphasizing that addressing migration challenges is a collective responsibility for the African continent. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration also warned against disinformation being used to incite violence and destabilize communities, stating that such campaigns aim to damage South Africa's international reputation.
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Must ReadInternational Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, speaking on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the Commonwealth Africa Speakers’ Conference on June 16, 2026, issued a strong warning against xenophobic violence in South Africa. He emphasized that migration must be managed lawfully and humanely, condemning fake news that fuels unrest. Lamola highlighted the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto youth uprising, and the upcoming World Refugee Day as significant contexts. He stated there is no excuse for violence against foreign nationals, calling such acts a "blight on our democracy" and a betrayal of constitutional promises. Lamola clarified that anti-illegal immigrant groups planning a national shutdown do not represent the South African government's position, asserting that immigration law enforcement is solely the state's responsibility. He warned against vigilantism and the exploitation of migration concerns for political, personal, or criminal agendas. While not directly referencing World Health Organisation Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus's condemnation of xenophobic threats, Lamola stressed the need to separate facts from fake news, particularly regarding reported deaths. He confirmed that two Mozambican nationals were killed in Mossel Bay, an incident condemned by the government and under police investigation, but stated that no other foreign nationals, including Ni