South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has strongly rejected claims made by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding recent attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
In a statement, Mr. Lamola described some of the claims made during Ablakwa’s interview on Joy News as inaccurate and unsupported by available evidence.
One of the key issues raised was the reported deaths of foreign nationals during the recent attacks.
Mr. Lamola stated that South African authorities have no evidence that two Nigerian nationals were killed, as had been suggested. He also disputed reports that five Mozambicans had died.
According to him, South African police are currently investigating the deaths of two Mozambican nationals. He expressed condolences to the government and people of Mozambique and assured them that the matter would be fully investigated to ensure justice and accountability.
The South African minister also questioned claims that 15 Ghanaians were receiving treatment in hospitals following the attacks. He said South African authorities had no record of such cases and had not received any information from Ghana’s High Commission to support the claim.
“It is deeply strange that we are hearing for the first time that 15 Ghanaians are hospitalised,” Mr. Lamola said.
The minister further addressed concerns about possible actions against South African businesses operating in Ghana.
He argued that challenges facing some South African companies in Ghana existed before the recent migrant-related tensions and noted that he had previously communicated these concerns to Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister.
On the issue of Ghanaian nationals returning home from South Africa, Mr. Lamola said a recent flight on May 27 carried several individuals who were found to be undocumented.
According to South African immigration authorities, about 90 percent of the passengers lacked valid documentation and were issued Emergency Travel Certificates by the Ghanaian Embassy to facilitate their return.
He added that many of the travellers had overstayed their visas, with some remaining in South Africa for more than a year beyond their permitted stay.
Despite the disagreements, Mr. Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to regional cooperation and dialogue.
He stressed that violence against migrants is unacceptable and contrary to the country’s constitutional values, pledging continued protection for all people regardless of nationality, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
