Why South Africa Is Pointing to Ruto’s June Visit Amid Xenophobia Debate
South Africa has pointed to President William Ruto’s June State Visit as evidence that it remains firmly connected to the rest of the continent, dismissing claims that the country has become diplomatically isolated over recent xenophobia allegations.
Speaking during a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said assertions that South Africa had become a “pariah state” were part of a misinformation campaign that ignored the country’s continued engagement with African leaders.
“Recent evidence shows that this is a false campaign. South Africa is not isolated. On the contrary, South Africa remains firmly engaged with our African continent and the rest of the world,” he said.
Magwenya also accused unnamed diplomatic representatives of promoting a false narrative aimed at portraying South Africa as having been shunned by its neighbours.
To reinforce its position, the South African government highlighted Ruto’s three-day State Visit to Pretoria, which began on June 3, 2026, at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Kenyan Head of State arrived at Waterkloof Air Force Base aboard a privately chartered Boeing, a trip that reignited debate back home over his continued use of leased luxury aircraft for official travel.
During the visit, Ruto and Ramaphosa held bilateral talks focused on strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and enhancing regional security cooperation.
Ruto also attended the Kenya-South Africa Business Forum, where government officials and business leaders explored ways to deepen commercial ties between the two countries.
According to Magwenya, Ruto’s visit formed part of a broader diplomatic programme that has seen Ramaphosa engage several African leaders this year.
“Since the beginning of this year to date, President Ramaphosa has engaged with various leaders on the African continent, hosting President Ruto on a state visit and discussing issues of migration with the Presidents of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe,” said Magwenya.
The remarks come as South Africa faces renewed scrutiny over anti-immigrant protests that have affected thousands of foreign nationals, including Kenyans.
In June and July this year, the Kenyan government launched an emergency evacuation operation that brought home more than 400 Kenyans from South Africa following incidents linked to xenophobic violence.
The returnees described widespread intimidation, harassment and threats of forced eviction before being flown back to Kenya aboard Kenya Airways at the government’s expense.
While Pretoria maintains that it has consistently condemned attacks against foreign nationals, it is now using recent high-level diplomatic engagements, including Ruto’s State Visit, to demonstrate that its relationships across Africa remain strong despite criticism over xenophobia.
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