By Akani Nkuna
President Cyril Ramaphosa told Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday that South Africans were not xenophobic, and that migration “challenges” facing the country required a coordinated response from African leaders.
He was speaking during Ruto’s state visit to South Africa, which runs from 3 to 5 June, after the two leaders held talks at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.
“South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are Africans, they want to live with other Africans peacefully. Our people are calling on us as leaders to resolve the many challenges that are brought to bear by the challenge of migration,” Ramaphosa said during a joint press briefing.
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The president’s statements come as anti-illegal protests have flared up in the country, with groups including March and March calling for all illegal-immigrants to leave South Africa by 30 June – which activists have set as a date for a national anti-illegal immigrant shutdown — or be forcibly removed.
“[A]s South African, we are addressing this matter and I was rather pleased that you (Ruto) had a good understanding of this issue as well. So 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 said.
South Africa has granted Kenyan passport holders visa-free entry for up to 90 days per calendar year since 2023, which Ramaphosa said had boosted tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges.
Ruto said South Africa was heavily affected by migration because it was one of the most developed countries on the continent, attracting people from other African countries seeking opportunities.
He said South Africa would be less burdened if development across the continent expanded and citizens had access to services and economic opportunities in their own countries. Ruto also called for African Union (AU) reforms to support large-scale development across the continent.
“[President Ramaphosa] and I agreed that a fit for purpose AU will help create the solidarity between countries so that we can provide opportunities for our citizens, and avoid unnecessary competition over resources and opportunities that sometimes results in the kind of challenges that we have,” Ruto said.
The two leaders also discussed increasing economic cooperation between South Africa and Kenya, including partnerships in agriculture, green energy, skills development and maritime cooperation.
Ramaphosa said trade between the two countries had grown, with Kenyan exports to South Africa expanding and helping to create a more balanced trade relationship.
According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, total trade between South Africa and Kenya increased from R9.3 billion in 2016 to R10.5 billion in 2025, with average growth of 3.5% over that period.
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“Our partnership carries significance not only for our citizens but for the broader African project of integration, industrialisation and inclusive growth,” Ramaphosa said.
The countries are also looking to strengthen private-sector cooperation through a proposed South Africa-Kenya Joint Business Council, which Ramaphosa said would create a platform for business leaders from both countries to engage on trade, investment and development opportunities.
