South Africa has stepped up its diplomatic engagement across Africa following a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment and isolated incidents of violence, as it seeks to strengthen relations with neighbouring countries and promote regional unity.
According to sowetan, this week international relations and co-operation (Dirco) minister Ronald Lamola met with Ghanaian president John Mahama to contain a diplomatic fallout with its largest continental partners.
The meeting forms part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s diplomatic drive to several African capitals following weeks of heightened anti-immigrant rhetoric and isolated incidents of violence that unsettled relations with countries whose citizens live and work in SA.
SA seeks to reassure African governments that it remains committed to protecting business, foreign nationals and civilians in the country amid concerns that the anti-immigrant protests could be used to isolate SA globally.
