The South African government believes well-managed and coordinated migration presents numerous opportunities for the African continent, International Relations, and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said on Tuesday.
She made the remarks during a visit to Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, where she led a South African government delegation at the African Union’s (AU) ministerial conference on migration.
“Migration offers major potential opportunities to Africa, provided that it is well managed and coordinated. As recognised in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and as envisaged in the AU’s own texts, including Agenda 2063, migrants make a clear and positive contribution to inclusive growth and sustainable development, in particular when they move, not out of desperation but out of choice,” Nkoana-Mashabane said in a statement.
“South Africa recognises that political instability and the quest for better socioeconomic habitation are but two key drivers of the displacement of people. We also recognise that there cannot be economic prosperity and sustainable development without peace on the Continent. Therefore, concerted regional, continental and global efforts to address the questions of underdevelopment and armed conflict should be a central focus of all member states.”
Regarding Morocco’s return to the AU fold, Nkoana-Mashabane said Pretoria was positive about the move.
“We are pleased that Morocco has returned home to the African Union fold. It is our hope that Morocco’s return will enable the dialogue necessary to assist us to resolve the outstanding issue of Western Sahara in accordance with the principles of international law, including the United Nations and the AU.”
On the sidelines of the conference, Nkoana-Mashabane held bilateral talks with her Moroccan counterpart, Minister Nasser Bourita.
South Africa’s department of international relations said the two ministers discussed “a range of issues of mutual interest and concern, and agreed on the need for further dialogue”.
– African News Agency (ANA)
