The persistent challenge of irregular migration in Africa, particularly within the SADC region, reflects deeper failures in governance, economic management, and political accountability. Many of the same heads of state and government officials who have presided over corruption, weak institutions, unemployment, and limited economic opportunities continue to lead the African Union and regional bodies. These conditions help explain why citizens of their respective countries are compelled to undertake dangerous journeys in search of safety, stability, and a better future—often arriving in South Africa under irregular circumstances.
South Africa cannot be expected to carry the consequences of governance failures elsewhere on the continent indefinitely. The continued influx of undocumented migrants places additional pressure on already limited public resources and services, including healthcare, education, housing, employment opportunities, and social support. South African taxpayers are increasingly concerned that they are being asked to shoulder responsibilities that should be shared fairly and addressed at their source through competent leadership and effective development policies.
African leaders who express concern when South Africans demand accountability over migration and access to public resources should also reflect on their own responsibilities. Their primary obligation is to create conditions in which their citizens can live with dignity and do not feel compelled to risk their lives crossing borders and dangerous terrain. It is neither fair nor sustainable to expect South Africa to absorb the full social and economic impact of failures originating in other states.
The South African government must also adopt a clearer and more decisive position. While diplomacy remains important, diplomacy should not become an excuse for avoiding difficult conversations with neighbouring governments. President Cyril Ramaphosa and his administration should engage their counterparts directly and insist on shared responsibility, stronger border management, lawful migration processes, and concrete measures to address the conditions driving irregular migration.
South Africa needs leadership that places the interests, safety, and dignity of its citizens at the centre of public policy while respecting the rights of all people under the law. If the country is to avoid the institutional decline experienced by several failed or fragile states, it must pursue urgent political and administrative reform. This requires decisive action against corruption, stronger institutions, transparent governance, effective immigration enforcement, and leadership that is prepared to make difficult decisions in the national interest.
Radical change in leadership and governance is no longer merely desirable; it is essential to South Africa’s future. –
Kagiso Monyadiwa,
President, Bophuthatswana Civil Movement