South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, says nearly 74% of Ghanaians who recently returned home had violated the country’s immigration laws and were subsequently declared undesirable through established legal processes.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on June 10, Mr Lamola explained that the majority of the returnees had overstayed their visas and were processed in accordance with South African immigration laws.
“As I’ve said earlier, almost 74% of the Ghanaians who have returned home had overstayed and were declared undesirable through our legal processes. This is the law, and it has been communicated to the High Commissioner,” he said.
Despite the immigration violations, Mr Lamola stressed that the South African government remains committed to protecting everyone within its borders, including Ghanaian nationals.
“We are indeed protecting all people within the borders of South Africa. Constitutionally, we are duty-bound to protect everyone, including Ghanaian nationals,” he stated.
He noted that many Ghanaians continue to make valuable contributions to various sectors of South Africa’s economy and deserve to feel safe while living and working in the country.
“There is a significant number of Ghanaians contributing to different sectors of our economy. The South African government has a responsibility to ensure they feel safe and are able to play their role in the country,” he added.
Mr Lamola emphasised that constitutional protections apply to all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
“The Constitution does not differentiate. Government has a responsibility to ensure that everyone is safe,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed concerns over attacks on foreign nationals, which South African authorities have strongly condemned.
“It is for this reason that we condemn violence against foreign nationals. It is our duty as the government of South Africa to protect everyone within our borders,” he explained.
At the same time, the minister maintained that the government would continue to address irregular migration through the enforcement of immigration laws.
“We also have a duty to deal with irregular migration by enforcing our immigration policies,” he stated