SA can't be an island, Motlanthe warns amid anti-migrant sentiment
Former president Kgalema Motlanthe has called for stronger African economic cooperation to address migration, while MTN chairperson Mcebisi Jonas said governance failures, not immigrants, are driving South Africa’s economic challenges.
Former president Kgalema Motlanthe says African countries must strengthen economic cooperation to address migration challenges across the continent.
Speaking at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation's Winter Seminar in Johannesburg, he said migration is not a new phenomenon, but the current handling of immigration has sparked concern.
South Africa, which has long drawn documented and undocumented African workers, has been rocked by weeks of protests and unrest targeting immigrants, who are accused of taking jobs and resources.
More than 160,000 foreigners have left the country, and several have been killed over the past two months as some groups have increased violent hostility against undocumented migrants, putting Pretoria's relations with other African governments under strain.
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Motlanthe stressed that South Africa's economy is closely linked to the rest of Africa.
He called for collaborative solutions that promote regional growth.
“ The economy of South Africa is an African economy. You need to come at these issues holistically. South Africa can't be an island on its own. The issue of migration is not unique to South Africa. We rely on African countries.”
Speaking at the same meetig, MTN chairperson Mcebisi Jonas warned that removing immigrants from South Africa does not solve the country's economic challenges.
Jonas said unemployment, inequality and corruption are rooted in governance failures rather than migration.
He urged leaders to address structural economic problems rather than blame foreign nationals, adding that lasting solutions require stronger institutions, improved public services and inclusive economic growth.
