South Africa seeks regional unity after anti-migrant violence

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on regional leaders to work together to address migration after weeks of anti-migrant protests forced more than 176,000 people to leave the country.

Ramaphosa addressed leaders from the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) at a summit in Durban on Monday, where he described migration as a major regional challenge.

"We thanked countries in our region for their understanding of the challenges that we faced and, in some respects, continue to face," Ramaphosa said as he closed the summit. "We also expressed regret at what has befallen us as a country. We expressed a wish that we should all work together to address the challenge of migration."

The exodus followed weeks of protests by populist groups demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by June 30.

More than 176,000 people have left the country in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally based on figures provided by African governments. About 300 anti-migrant protesters marched to the summit venue on Monday, urging regional leaders to "fetch their people".

Police on horseback and motorbikes controlled the demonstration as a helicopter and drones monitored the gathering.

"We are here to tell you to come and fetch your people who are here in South Africa illegally," said protest leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, one of the figures behind the recent demonstrations.

She singled out Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, whose nationals accounted for most of those who left South Africa.

Some migrants departed voluntarily, while others were deported or assisted through government repatriation programs.

Migrant deaths spark condemnation

At least four migrants were killed during the violence, according to South African police, although some foreign governments have reported a higher death toll.

Ramaphosa said during a public lecture on Friday that his government was "deeply concerned and ashamed" that nationals of other countries had in recent months been subjected to discrimination and ill-treatment.

The South African government's handling of the unrest has drawn criticism from other African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, which are not members of SADC.

South Africa, which assumed the rotating SADC chairmanship at Monday's summit, has called for an Africa-wide conference on migration.

Ramaphosa's government says a broader continental approach is needed to address the causes of migration, improve cooperation between countries and prevent tensions between host communities and migrants from escalating into violence.

South Africa has long been a major destination for migrants from across the continent, attracted by its relatively developed economy and employment opportunities.

But the country is also grappling with unemployment of more than 30%, deep inequality and widespread poverty, conditions that have fuelled public anger and intensified political pressure over immigration.

The latest unrest has renewed debate over how South Africa and its neighbours can manage migration while protecting the rights and safety of migrants.

(With input from the wires)