Cape town: South Africa hosted a gathering of leaders from the southern African regional bloc amid xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests. As the continent's wealthiest country, South Africa has long attracted migrants, but it faces an unemployment rate of over 30 percent and deep-seated inequalities. Pretoria has called for a continent-wide conference on the issue of migration.

According to France24.com, the protest saw around 300 anti-migrant demonstrators urging leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the ongoing issues of migration. The protesters voiced their concerns and frustrations, calling for immediate action from regional leaders.

The challenges facing South Africa are compounded by the high unemployment rate, which fuels tensions between locals and migrants. The inequalities present in the socio-economic structure of the country add further complexity to the situation. In response, South African authorities have proposed a collaborative approach, seeking engagement with other African nations to tackle the migration challenges collectively.

The call for a continent-wide conference on migration by Pretoria aims to create a platform for dialogue and develop sustainable solutions. This initiative underscores the urgency with which South Africa is approaching the matter, highlighting the need for cooperation and understanding among African states to effectively manage migration issues.