Parliament, Thursday, 20 August 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation yesterday concluded a successful workshop on Migration Governance and Parliamentary Diplomacy, which brought together stakeholders to deliberate on migration trends, governance challenges, regional cooperation and Parliament's role in addressing migration-related issues through oversight, legislation and parliamentary diplomacy.
The workshop convened in collaboration with the International Organisation on Migration and Witwatersrand School of Governance reaffirmed that migration is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon that requires coordinated, evidence-based and long-term policy responses.
Participants noted that labour mobility, economic opportunities and the growing youth population across the continent remain among the principal drivers of migration. The workshop further highlighted the need for governments to create sustainable economic opportunities, particularly for young people, within their own communities to address some of the root causes of migration.
The committee emphasised that effective migration governance requires strong institutions, efficient administrative systems and lawful migration pathways. Participants stressed the importance of ensuring that migration is managed within the framework of the Constitution, the rule of law and South Africa's regional and international obligations.
The workshop further acknowledged that migration governance cannot be addressed through isolated interventions but requires coordinated action across all spheres of government and society. A key outcome of the workshop was the recognition of the important role of Parliament in facilitating informed public dialogue on migration, conducting oversight of government programmes and promoting cooperation among stakeholders.
Participants agreed that Parliament should provide an appropriate platform through which migration-related concerns can be debated, policy options considered and citizens afforded meaningful opportunities to contribute to public discourse and policy development.
The workshop also underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing migration challenges. Participants agreed that sustainable solutions require strengthened engagement among African countries, including through regional parliamentary structures. It was proposed that dialogue be expanded to include neighbouring parliaments whose citizens are directly affected by migration dynamics and that such engagements ultimately be elevated to continental forums such as the Pan-African Parliament to explore both short-term and long-term solutions.
The committee noted that parliamentary diplomacy has an important role to play in advancing regional dialogue, strengthening cooperation among African legislatures and supporting the implementation of regional migration frameworks. Participants further emphasised that migration should be viewed within the broader context of African integration, economic development and social cohesion.
Among the key recommendations emerging from the workshop were the need for a comprehensive review of migration legislation, improved coordination among government institutions, enhanced municipal capacity, stronger public education initiatives, evidence-based policymaking and sustained dialogue between host and migrant communities. Participants further supported the institutionalisation of ongoing migration dialogues to monitor progress, strengthen oversight and promote collaborative policymaking.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, said the workshop demonstrated the importance of addressing migration through balanced and constructive engagement. He said: "Migration is a reality across the African continent and globally. The responsibility before us is not merely to respond to migration challenges, but to strengthen governance systems, promote social cohesion, address root causes and deepen regional cooperation. Parliament has an important role to play in facilitating dialogue, advancing evidence-based policymaking and strengthening parliamentary diplomacy in pursuit of sustainable solutions."
The committee welcomed the outcomes of the workshop and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing migration governance, strengthening parliamentary oversight and fostering dialogue with regional and continental partners to promote safe, orderly and regular migration while protecting human dignity and social cohesion.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Ms Sureshinee Govender
Cell: 081 7041109
Email: sgovender@parliament.gov.za
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