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Members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) representing South Africa today reaffirmed the country's commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting its economic interests and safeguarding the constitutional rights of all people, while rejecting violence and intimidation amid ongoing protests relating to illegal migration.

The South African delegation was responding to two motions debated during the PAP plenary today. Both motions related to recent attacks on foreign nationals and called on the Pan-African Parliament to condemn these attacks. The motions further urged the South African government to strengthen the protection of all persons within its territory, regardless of nationality, ensure perpetrators are brought to justice and support the establishment of an independent African Union fact-finding and monitoring mechanism to assess the scale, causes and humanitarian repercussions of the reported attacks.

The Leader of the South African Delegation, Mr Mdumiseni Ntuli, who participated in the debate, urged Members of the Pan-African Parliament to refrain from making statements that could further divide Africans while claiming to act in the best interests of the continent. Mr Ntuli emphasised the narrative that South Africans are xenophobic was not based on any fact or evidence.

Mr Ntuli said it was important for Members to recognise that the underlying challenge is the prevailing economic crisis. He noted that South Africa continues to attract people from across the continent because it offers hope and economic opportunities. However, he stressed that addressing migration challenges cannot be South Africa's responsibility alone. It requires a coordinated continental response.

Mr Ntuli further reiterated that the South African Government does not support violence, intimidation or attacks against foreign nationals. He assured the Members of the PAP that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and are fully capable of maintaining public order and ensuring that the law is enforced.

Expressing concern over the manner in which the motions were handled, Mr Ntuli said South Africa should have been afforded an opportunity to present its position before the debate commenced. "As South Africa, we would have liked to contribute to the text of the motion. We also do not support the proposal for the Pan-African Parliament to undertake a fact-finding mission to South Africa on a matter that is already on the agenda of the African Union Executive Council, where a position has been adopted," he said.

The Pan-African Parliament is the legislative body of the African Union (AU), established in March 2004 to ensure full participation of African people in the continent's economic development and integration. 

Supporting the South African position, another member of the delegation, Mr Mergan Chetty, said the challenges associated with illegal migration are neither unique to South Africa nor confined to the African continent, but form part of a broader global phenomenon confronting many developing nations. He noted that economic stagnation has prompted several countries to adopt measures aimed at protecting opportunities for their own citizens.

Mr Chetty referred to Ghana's Investment Promotion Centre Act as an example where the country reserves certain economic activities for Ghanaian citizens and Ghanaian-owned enterprises. He argued that, like other sovereign states, South Africa has a legitimate responsibility to protect the economic interests of its citizens while continuing to uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Issued by the Parliament of South Africa