South Africa’s IR&C head Ronald Lamola in the news amid xenophobia, regional tensions, and SA’s stance on migrants and global crises. Born 1983, lawyer and ANC minister since 2019.
Anti-immigrant groups have organised protests in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, urging stricter immigration enforcement and denouncing undocumented migrants. Demonstrations have disrupted commerce, drawn in political parties, and prompted police to monitor for violence and vigilantism.
Nigerian, Ghanaian and Mozambican leaders have formalised complaints with Pretoria over xenophobic violence and the treatment of their nationals in South Africa, with Nigeria outlining voluntary repatriation plans for its citizens and Ghana seeking evacuation measures. The replies come as two Nigerians were killed last month amid protests and a spike in anti-foreigner sentiment.