On 25 June 2025, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) convened a high-level briefing with several African Union institutions to discuss migration and immigration matters in South Africa, underscoring the country’s commitment to constitutional values and collaborative continental solutions.

The engagement brought together representatives from the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE). The AUDA-NEPAD delegation was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas.

South Africa Reiterates Constitutional Commitments

During the briefing, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo reaffirmed South Africa’s unwavering commitment to the constitutional principles of human dignity, equality, and the rule of law. He clarified that there is no government directive requiring foreign nationals to leave South Africa by 30 June, dispelling misinformation circulating in some quarters.

The Ambassador emphasised that South Africa remains guided by its Constitution and international obligations in managing migration, while continuing efforts to maintain social cohesion and address challenges associated with migration and immigration.

AU Institutions and South Africa Commit to Enhanced Cooperation

Participants agreed that migration is a complex issue requiring coordinated responses at national, regional, and continental levels. The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen collaboration between the South African government and African Union institutions.

The partnership will seek to address immediate migration-related concerns while also developing long-term interventions aimed at tackling the underlying drivers of migration. These efforts will leverage the respective mandates and expertise of AU institutions to support sustainable and inclusive solutions.

Towards Sustainable Migration Governance

The discussions highlighted the importance of adopting a balanced approach that safeguards human rights, promotes regional integration, and addresses socio-economic factors influencing migration patterns across the continent.

By fostering cooperation with AU agencies, South Africa aims to advance a comprehensive migration governance framework that contributes to stability, development, and shared prosperity in Africa.

Images: DIRCO