Ramaphosa says SADC leaders regret ‘what has befallen us’ and call for regional unity on migration

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told leaders at the close of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban that member states recognised the complexity of South Africa’s migration challenge and the need for regional cohesion to address it.

Summit discussions and a call for unity

Ramaphosa said the migration issue was discussed behind closed doors and that South Africa had briefed fellow SADC leaders “honestly and openly” about the difficulties the country had faced in recent weeks. He thanked member states “for their understanding of the challenges that we faced, and in some respects continue to face,” and expressed gratitude for “their solidarity, for their support.”

On the summit floor, Ramaphosa said South Africa “expressed regret at what has befallen us as a country” and urged regional cooperation: “We also expressed the wish that we should all work together to address the challenge of migration.”

Complexity recognised; specifics not disclosed

According to Ramaphosa, leaders at the summit acknowledged that “the challenge of migration is complex, it’s not easy,” and they appreciated “the need for cohesion in our region, the need for unity as we address this challenge.” His closing remarks did not provide details of the closed-door discussions or set out specific decisions taken by leaders on migration.

Pressure and recent developments

The summit discussions occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions over undocumented migration in South Africa, including renewed anti-immigration mobilisation and protests. The March and March movement staged a protest in Durban on Monday and handed over a memorandum calling on SADC leaders to address undocumented migration.

IOL previously reported that Home Affairs had processed 82,875 people through repatriation and deportation processes, according to figures presented to Parliament.

From political will to action

Describing the summit as successful, Ramaphosa said discussions had been “deep and cordial” and that leaders had largely sought consensus: “We were united on all the issues that we discussed.” He said the next step was to translate the political commitment shown at the summit into concrete action: “We have the people, we have the institutions, and as this summit has demonstrated, we have the political will to work together. What is required now is to turn that political will into action.”

Chairpersonship and regional goals

Ramaphosa assumed the SADC chairpersonship for 2026/27 at the summit and used his closing remarks to call for stronger regional integration and cooperation. He said the region should work towards borders that “connect rather than divide countries,” turn resources into prosperity, and ensure the benefits of integration are felt by people across Southern Africa. “Let us build a Southern Africa that is peaceful, integrated, industrialised, and prosperous,” he said.

Protocol on movement of persons

South Africa has pushed for progress on the SADC Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons as part of efforts to promote orderly and regular migration. The protocol provides for visa-free visits of up to 90 days once it enters into force.