Ramaphosa urged to intervene in Sherwood migration crisis
Ramaphosa stressed that illegal immigration should not be blamed for the country’s broader socio-economic challenges.
The ongoing migration-related tensions in Sherwood, Durban, emerged as a key issue during a meeting convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa with religious and interfaith leaders at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
This, as the government sought support for its approach to managing migration and advancing the National Dialogue.
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The meeting took place against the backdrop of growing public concern over illegal immigration and recent anti-illegal migration protests across South Africa.
While discussions covered broader migration policy and social cohesion, faith leaders highlighted the situation in Sherwood, KwaZulu-Natal, as requiring urgent government attention.
In a statement, Ramaphosa said among the issues raised by religious leaders were the need for stronger law enforcement against vigilantism, improved government communication, enhanced diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries, and intervention in the Sherwood situation.
He outlined measures already underway to respond to the concerns.
He said Home Affairs has initiated deportation proceedings through dedicated priority courts to accelerate the processing of Malawian nationals seeking to leave South Africa.
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The intervention follows challenges experienced by the Malawian government in repatriating its citizens due to capacity constraints.
“The Sherwood developments formed part of a wider discussion on migration management, following the government’s announcement of a comprehensive five-pillar strategy.
The strategy focuses on enforcing migration laws, strengthening border security, improving immigration systems, closing legislative and policy gaps, and working with other African countries through diplomatic channels,” he said in the statement.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that concerns about migration have intensified amid high levels of unemployment, poverty and economic hardship.
However, he stressed that illegal immigration should not be blamed for the country’s broader socio-economic challenges.
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“To tackle the challenges our country faces, we need faster and more inclusive growth, investment and the creation of jobs,” he said, adding that poverty, crime and corruption remained the primary issues requiring attention.
He further called on faith communities to work alongside the government to prevent frustration from turning into hostility towards migrants and foreign nationals.
Ramaphosa also highlighted the importance of the National Dialogue, describing it as a people-led process aimed at building consensus on South Africa’s future. He said faith communities would play a critical role in ensuring the dialogue reaches communities across the country and remains inclusive.
Religious and interfaith leaders welcomed the government’s migration strategy and pledged continued engagement on issues affecting communities, including the evolving situation in Sherwood.
