Two Nigerians arrested in South Africa for allegedly carrying drugs

South Africa's ongoing debate over undocumented migration stands as a crucial test of its constitutional democracy, balancing the need for border security with a commitment to ethical treatment of migrants. Former Cabinet minister Barbara Hogan, speaking at the 2026 Professor Fatima Meer Memorial Lecture, urges the nation to remember that before any classification, a person is a human being deserving of respect and dignity.

Hogan emphasizes that while legal status determines how individuals are administered, it should never diminish their inherent humanity.

Throughout history, migration has been a defining aspect of human civilization, with people moving for various reasons such as safety, livelihood, family, knowledge, trade, faith, and freedom. From ancient trade routes linking Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to contemporary globalization, the movement of people has facilitated the exchange of religions, scientific ideas, technologies, and industrialization.

South Africa's own economic development was built upon labor mobility, with mining, agriculture, construction, transport, and manufacturing all relying on diverse migrant workers. Refugees, students, professionals, and informal traders have all contributed to the country's economic and social fabric.

However, contemporary globalisation often contradicts this historical perspective by treating worker mobility as a threat rather than a necessity. South Africa's history underscores the importance of balancing sovereign power with humanity, recognizing that effective migration management must be conducted within constitutional and humanitarian obligations.

International frameworks, such as the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration and the African Union's Migration Policy Framework for Africa (2018-2030), affirm that state sovereignty need not come at the expense of human rights.

At the administrative level, a capable system that promptly processes applications, publishes clear rules, maintains accurate records, and provides legal review can enhance public confidence and reduce opportunities for abuse. Enforcement efforts should focus on organised exploitation and corruption rather than humiliating individuals in everyday settings. Fair administration not only strengthens public trust but also makes legitimate enforcement more credible.

Unfairly equating undocumented migration with criminality and reducing diverse migrants to stereotypes often displaces evidence with fear and diverts attention from addressing structural problems like unemployment, inequality, poverty, deteriorating public services, corruption, and violent crime. Blaming vulnerable outsiders may yield political theater but fails to tackle the root causes of these issues.

Historical memory reminds us that South Africa's liberation was not achieved alone; it was supported by various African nations, highlighting the importance of solidarity and gratitude in immigration policy.

Ultimately, the challenge lies in distinguishing evidence from prejudice and distinguishing administration from populism. Mature democracies must acknowledge the contributions of migrants—through labour, entrepreneurship, consumption, taxation, skills, innovation, and cultural exchange—while recognizing the legitimate need for lawful border management, public safety, transparent administration, and credible immigration systems.

Ethical leadership, active citizenship, and institutions committed to truth when doing so is politically inconvenient are essential to navigating this complex issue.