Immigration woes not xenophobia, says South African envoy to Tanzania

Josephine Christopher is a senior business journalist for The Citizen and Mwananchi newspapers

Dar es Salaam. South Africa’s immigration challenges should not be interpreted as hatred towards foreigners, the country’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ms Noluthando Mayende-Malepe, has said, arguing that illegal immigration is a challenge faced by many countries around the world.

Speaking during the commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day in Dar es Salaam, Ms Mayende-Malepe said South Africa, like other sovereign nations, has the responsibility to manage its borders and enforce its immigration laws.

She said concerns surrounding xenophobic incidents should be distinguished from the government’s efforts to address illegal immigratiAon.

“This is not about hatred towards foreigners. Illegal immigration has been a problem, just like in any other country,” she said.

The High Commissioner emphasised that South Africa is a sovereign and independent country whose laws and policies should be respected.