Ronald Lamola distances government from claims of Pakistani relocation and 15,000 Israelis in South Africa

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has rejected unverified claims that Pakistani nationals are being encouraged to relocate to South Africa and that there are “15,000 trained Jewish individuals from Israel” in the country, saying the government does not endorse those statements.

Parliamentary question prompted response

The remarks follow a question from Economic Freedom Fighters MP Thandiswa Marawu asking whether the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) “align[s] itself with or endorse[s] the comments attributed to the individual mentioned in the parliamentary question.”

DIRCO distances itself from the claims

Lamola said the department “unequivocally does not align itself with or endorse the comments attributed to the individual mentioned in the parliamentary question.” He added that the claims “do not represent the policy, position, or official view of either the Government of South Africa or the Government of National Unity (GNU).”

Legal basis for migration policy

Lamola said South Africa’s immigration policy is grounded in the Constitution, the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002), and other relevant legislation, and that all migration processes are administered through established legal procedures by the Department of Home Affairs. He said government “does not support or promote irregular migration,” and that all movement of foreign nationals must adhere to official protocols.

Claims described as unsubstantiated

The minister said there is “no credible or verified information” supporting the allegation regarding the presence of “15,000 trained Jewish individuals from Israel” in South Africa, describing the claims as unsubstantiated and “not incorporated into any official government assessments or positions.”

Lamola urged anyone with information to “approach law enforcement agencies.”

Call to avoid discriminatory public discourse

Lamola called on South Africans, particularly public representatives, to avoid engaging in discourse or activities that unfairly discriminate against individuals, noting this should be in line with the Constitution and the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act No. 16 of 2023.

He said the government remains committed to “fostering responsible public discourse, upholding factual accuracy, and maintaining constructive international relations,” and reiterated that the Government of National Unity “does not endorse or align itself with the claims referenced in the parliamentary question.”