Lamola briefs media on foreign policy, AU engagement and migration protests

According to IOL, International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola addressed the media to outline developments in South Africa’s foreign policy priorities and programmes and to respond to ongoing protests targeting illegal foreign nationals.

What Lamola told the media

IOL reports that Lamola provided updates on the government’s engagements with the African Union (AU) and on final preparations for the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, which is scheduled for August 16-17, 2026 in Durban.

Migration and domestic protests

According to IOL, Lamola also updated the media on how the government is addressing the crisis of immigration amid the ongoing protests targeting undocumented foreign nationals.

Focus of the briefing

IOL describes the briefing as covering both South Africa’s external diplomatic priorities and internal challenges related to migration, with Lamola linking the two areas through updates on AU engagement and SADC summit preparations.

Context provided by IOL

IOL’s coverage notes the dual emphasis of the minister’s remarks: foreign policy programmes and the government’s response to protests against illegal foreign nationals. The report frames the briefing as part of routine media engagement by the International Relations and Co-operation portfolio.