Pretoria – The Presidency has responded to attempts to marginalize South Africa following recent anti-immigrant protests that resulted in the voluntary return of thousands of “undocumented” foreign nationals.
Moreover, many others, predominantly from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, have been subjected to deportation due to illegal residency in the country.
“In recent months, we have seen a sustained effort to isolate South Africa from the broader African continent, masked as protests against the recent increase in anti-illegal migration initiatives,” said Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Magwenya made these remarks on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, while addressing a reporter’s question about a warning from Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, regarding the nation’s “risk of isolation.”
Without mentioning the ambassador by name, Magwenya commented: “This narrative seeks to depict South Africa as a pariah state, deserving of referral to international tribunals.
“This persists despite numerous official declarations from our government condemning acts of vigilantism against foreign nationals and reaffirming our responsibility to uphold immigration laws and our commitment to constitutional supremacy.
“More troubling is the spread of misinformation by a diplomatic representative from a nation central to this agenda.”
Magwenya pointed out that even straightforward diplomatic communications regarding meetings have been deliberately misrepresented to create the perception of South Africa’s isolation.
“As the Presidency, we unequivocally reject and urge caution against the distribution of misinformation about South Africa. Any campaign that misrepresents our identity will be met with the utmost indignation it deserves,” Magwenya asserted.
“Recent evidence suggests that this misleading campaign, concerning as it is, is losing steam.
“South Africa is not isolated.
“In fact, South Africa remains actively connected with our African neighbors and the global community.”
Magwenya noted that just last week, on 10 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation of Ministers and senior officials were warmly received by French President Emmanuel Macron.
This meeting underscored France as a vital strategic partner for South Africa, marked by long-standing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, energy, defense, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
The leaders also took this opportunity to discuss global developments of mutual interest and review progress on bilateral priorities.
Earlier that same day, President Ramaphosa co-chaired the Leaders Group meeting of the High-Level Steering Committee on Education alongside the Director-General of UNESCO and attended the Transforming Education Summit +4.
“These interactions were productive and goal-driven, and South Africa felt honored to help shape the future of global education, which supports the entire Agenda 2030,” Magwenya stated.
“This illustrates a South Africa and a President dedicated to cultivating a better Africa and a better world.”
Since the start of this year, President Ramaphosa has engaged with various African leaders through bilateral meetings, phone calls, Bi-National Commissions, and extraordinary SADC summit sessions, which he currently chairs.
These engagements have included dialogues with the President of Botswana, heads of state from the Southern African Customs Union (currently chaired by South Africa), hosting President Ruto of Kenya, and discussing migration issues with the Presidents of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
President Ramaphosa recently made a working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo to show solidarity with the government and people as they tackle the Ebola pandemic.
South Africa has made a significant financial commitment towards combating Ebola.
President Ramaphosa and other officials continue to actively collaborate with the Africa CDC to ensure the continent overcomes the Ebola crisis.
“This is a South Africa that is invested in the African continent and will never face isolation,” proclaimed Magwenya.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola recently visited South Sudan to represent South Africa in the Committee of Five of the African Union, chaired by President Ramaphosa.
The C5 oversees the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement in South Sudan.
“The Minister reported to the President that he left South Sudan with renewed optimism regarding the prospects for peace,” said Magwenya.
“An inclusive national dialogue involving all parties to the revitalized agreement will be initiated.”
Minister Lamola received assurances that future processes will remain credible and inclusive of all stakeholders.
“For South Africa, it is vital that the forthcoming elections in South Sudan are inclusive, transparent, and fair, ensuring a safe environment for free and fair elections,” stated Magwenya.
“President Ramaphosa convened the C5 Summit in Addis Ababa earlier this year alongside the AU summit in February.
“Once again, we assert that South Africa is not isolated and cannot be removed from the African continent.”
