PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has told his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto, that the recent anti-illegal immigration protests in the country did not mean South Africans were xenophobic.
Ruto is on a three-day state visit, which will see four major bilateral agreements between Pretoria and Nairobi signed to deepen ties and boost both nations' tourism sectors.
"South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are Africans," Ramaphosa said before ending his welcome address.
"They want to live with other Africans peacefully, and our people are calling on us as leaders to resolve the many challenges that are brought by the challenge of migration."
"As South Africa, we are addressing this matter and I was rather pleased that you had a good understanding of this issue as well. Working together, South Africa and Kenya can help shape a peaceful, integrated and thriving African continent that is always able to resolve its own problems," Ramaphosa added.
In response, Ruto said there was a need for countries to provide opportunities on the continent.
"Part of the challenge South Africa is facing is that it is a much more developed country in Africa and therefore, it is easier for people to come here to look for services and opportunities. The answer to this, is to make sure that services and opportunities exist everywhere in our continent."
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Ruto said a fit-for-purpose African Union will help create the solidarity between countries to avoid unnecessary competition over resources and opportunities.
"I fully understand when people are competing for resources and opportunities. It is imperative for us to create opportunities everywhere on our continent," the Kenyan President added.
South Africa has seen a wave of anti-illegal immigration protests. In recent days, the police said two Mozambican nationals were killed in Mossel Bay at the weekend.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Malawi said it would begin the process of voluntary repatriation for its nationals. Last month, 300 Ghanaian nationals were repatriated from South Africa.