International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa’s social frustration is driven primarily by poverty, unemployment and inequality, rather than by migrants. In commentary reported by IOL, Lamola cautions against narratives that portray migrants as the “enemy” or as the cause of wider economic and social problems. He argues that blaming migrants diverts attention from underlying domestic conditions and does not address the factors that contribute to public anger and insecurity.
The report frames Lamola’s position as part of a broader response to public discourse around migration and social cohesion. It emphasizes that, while migration-related tensions can arise, the minister maintains that structural issues such as lack of jobs and entrenched inequality are the central challenges shaping people’s lived experiences. The article presents his warning as a call for more accurate public messaging that focuses on root causes rather than scapegoating. Overall, the coverage reflects Lamola’s stance that policy and public debate should prioritise solutions to economic and social inequality instead of targeting migrants.
