Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Seminar Addresses Migration and Crime

Continental Action and the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Seminar in Sandton

Migration issues carry deep implications for both South Africa and the wider continent, a sentiment underscored at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Winter Seminar held in Sandton under the theme Continent and Migration. The seminar brought together political leaders, business executives, diplomats, academics, and international organizations to debate unregulated movement from a broad continental perspective.

Former President Kgalema Motlanthe stressed that managing these dynamics requires governments to maintain authority and address the root economic disparities driving human movement. Given the structure of our economy, it is therefore imperative for government to always strive to be in charge as it responds to the cries of the unemployed, the poor and marginalised sections of our nation, Motlanthe noted during the discussions, pointing out that failing to govern effectively invites lawlessness.

International Pressure, African Union Concerns, and the ICC Petition

The discussions followed a challenging period for South Africa regarding regional relations and xenophobic incidents. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union Commission Chairperson, raised concerns about attacks on African citizens living within South Africa. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola recently traveled to Ghana as a special envoy to meet President John Mahama following a petition filed by two Ghanaian nationals at the International Criminal Court.

Addressing the ICC petition, Lamola maintained that the international court lacks jurisdiction because domestic courts must serve as the primary recourse under the principle of complementarity. Our courts are very competent and independent, Lamola said, emphasizing that the state did not support vigilante groups or unlawful actions by individuals taking matters into their own hands.

Border Tightening, Illicit Trade, and Economic Policy Responses

To tackle both criminal activity and unregulated migration, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi pointed to the immediate need for stricter border controls. Minister Kubayi outlined the scale of fiscal and criminal challenges tied to porous borders.

“We have a lot of illicit activities that are happening, stolen cars, goods. We lose a lot of money on tax. The cigarettes, illicit alcohol, and groceries that are passing and that we need to deal with. So, the tightening there will help us deal with the issues of crime and organised crime and will help us deal with the issue of migration. That’s why this plan is important for us to implement.”

Mmamoloko Kubayi, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister

Meanwhile, former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas turned the focus toward civic responsibility and leadership across African nations. Jonas warned that weak leadership creates fertile ground for populism and stressed that citizens hold significant democratic power through elections.

While diplomatic engagements continue, South African officials maintain that the government is prepared to address migration across all appropriate platforms, insisting that long-term stability depends on resolving the structural push and pull factors driving movement across the continent.