JOHANNESBURG - The Presidency said tackling illegal migration requires cooperation rather than blame.
According to Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, South Africa views illegal migration as a global problem that demands a coordinated response.
And as such, addressing the issue also means confronting the factors that force people to leave their countries of origin.
"South Africa's starting point on the discussion of illegal migration is not that of pointing a finger at our neighbouring countries and other countries whose nationals are here.
"South Africa's posture is a constructive one and the President has been at pains in explaining this, that illegal migration is not an exceptional, unique challenge facing South Africa only. It is a global challenge.
Magwenya said discussions on this issue have been open and honest.
At the same time, they are trying to establish the push and pull factors that lead people to abandon their countries of origin or birth to seek refuge in South Africa.
"It's not a discussion where South Africa sees itself as superior and where South Africa assumes a superior position that holds others accountable," he said.