Ramaphosa tackles migration concerns as SA and Kenya deepen economic ties

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used a state visit by Kenyan President William Ruto to confront rising tensions around migration in South Africa, while positioning closer ties between the two countries as a pathway to trade, investment and job creation. 

Speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, Ramaphosa and Ruto oversaw the signing of six memoranda of understanding (MOUs) covering sectors including agriculture, tourism, energy, transport and maritime cooperation. 

The visit comes as migration and border management remain politically charged issues in South Africa, amid high unemployment and growing public pressure for stronger controls on undocumented migration.

Ramaphosa said the two countries held frank discussions on the drivers of migration and the need for coordinated African responses. 

“We sought to understand the causes of migration and how best all countries on the continent can work together to address this challenge of migration.”

The President stressed that South Africans were not xenophobic but were calling on leaders to address the challenges associated with migration.

“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. I did say that as South Africa, we are addressing this matter.”

The comments come as immigration and border management remain a key political issue, with political parties and civil society groups increasingly calling for stronger measures to address undocumented migration.

Beyond migration, Ramaphosa positioned the South Africa-Kenya partnership as a driver of economic growth and job creation, particularly for young people.

Speaking alongside Ramaphosa, Ruto praised South Africa for its democratic transformation and its continued commitment to Ubuntu.

“The world watched in awe as this country dismantled apartheid and built something more lasting in its place. A constitutional democracy grounded in dignity, human rights and the equal worth of every person. I thank you for the warm welcome and generous hospitality. It speaks to the character of a nation that has understood the spirit and meaning of Ubuntu.”

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa highlighted the success of the visa-free travel agreement introduced in 2022, joking that Ruto had “twisted his arm” into approving the arrangement.

“It was a good twisting of the arm because both countries are benefiting now. Tourism, business, travel and cultural exchange have grown.”

Trade between the two countries has also expanded under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with Ramaphosa noting that Kenyan products such as tea and coffee are becoming increasingly visible on South African shelves.

Looking ahead, he said Africa’s future depended on stronger regional integration, digital transformation and youth empowerment.

“Working together, South Africa and Kenya can help shape a peaceful and thriving African continent that is always able to resolve its own problems under the slogan: African solutions for African problems,” said Ramaphosa.

“Through collaboration, South Africa and Kenya will be able not only to develop our two countries, but to contribute to a better, more prosperous Africa.” Remarks by President @CyrilRamaphosa at the Kenya-South Africa Business Forum during the State Visit by President Ruto of…

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 4, 2026