Consortium for Refugees and Migrants South Africa (CoRMSA)

21/08/2026

SOUTHERN AFRICAN CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM 2026 | DAY 3
18–21 August 2026 | Durban, South Africa.

On Day 3 of the Southern African Civil Society Forum 2026, CoRMSA hosted a powerful and engaging panel discussion on “Advancing the SADC Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons.” The dialogue brought together government and civil society representatives, refugee- and migrant-led organisations, regional institutions, experts and development partners to explore how human mobility can advance regional integration, economic growth, social cohesion and sustainable development. A central message was clear: migration must be approached through rights-based, people-centred governance, not criminalisation and securitisation.

The discussion highlighted that freedom of movement is already a social and economic reality across Southern Africa. However, the absence of a strong and enforceable regional framework continues to leave many SADC citizens vulnerable to restrictive policies, discrimination and arbitrary enforcement. The recent anti-migrant mobilisation and the 30 June 2026 shutdown calls in South Africa further demonstrate the urgent need for predictable regional pathways for movement, documentation, employment and residence. The panel therefore called for the 11th SADC Member State to ratify the Protocol, enabling it to enter into force and become a legally binding regional instrument.

Our call is clear: SADC must move from commitments on paper to implementation. We call for harmonised migration policies, accessible and affordable documentation systems, stronger protection against xenophobia and discrimination, and meaningful participation of civil society, refugee- and migrant-led organisations, women, cross-border traders, workers and affected communities. Human mobility is not a threat to be controlled; it is an opportunity to advance regional integration, economic transformation, social justice, social cohesion and human dignity across Southern Africa.

As the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government takes place, with South Africa assuming the SADC Chairmanship, we call on South Africa to use its leadership to champion the ratification, adoption and implementation of the Protocol and place freedom of movement firmly at the centre of the regional integration agenda.

The panel was comprised of representatives from Lawyers For Human Rights Congolese Civil Society of South Africa Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) Lesotho Council Of NGOs Youth Watch Society - Malawi. The forum is convened in collaboration with Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organisations

18/08/2026

SOUTHERN AFRICAN CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM 2026 | 18–21 August 2026 | Durban, South Africa.

CoRMSA is pleased to join the Southern African Civil Society Forum 2026, under the theme: “Democratic Futures in Africa: Advancing Accountable Governance, Social Justice, Economic Transformation and Human Dignity in Southern Africa.”

As part of the programme, CoRMSA will host Session 6: Advancing the SADC Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, bringing together experts to discuss human mobility as a driver of regional integration, economic growth, social cohesion and sustainable development.

The session will also advocate for a shift from the criminalisation of migration towards rights-based, inclusive and people-centred migration governance.

The gathering if cooridinated by the Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organisations in partnership with other partners. SADC Oxfam Oxfam South Africa Black Sash Amnesty International South Africa CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation

16/08/2026

Ramaphosa calls on SADC to address continental migration.

Ramaphosa called for his counterparts in the region to focus on stabilising governance and improving local markets to address factors causing mass migration.

16/08/2026

CoRMSA at the 2026 SADC People’s Summit, taking place from 14–15 August 2026 in Durban, South Africa.

The CoRMSA team participated in the 2026 SADC People’s Summit, held on 14–15 August in Durban, South Africa, under the theme “The People’s SADC: Strengthening People’s Solidarity in a Polycrisis of Debt, Inequality, Conflict, Extractivism and Climate Change.”

CoRMSA advocated for the inclusion of human rights and migration-related issues in the Summit’s final communiqué. We are pleased that these issues were reflected and brought to the attention of SADC leaders.

We remain committed to strengthening regional advocacy and advancing the rights, dignity, and protection of migrants across the SADC region.

The Summit was organised by Southern African People's Solidarity Network

13/08/2026

46th SADC Summit – Durban

Today, 13 August, CoRMSA, represented by its Executive Director, participated and presented at the SADC Child Rights Advocacy Seminar, held as a side event to the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government.

The seminar brought together regional experts and stakeholders to discuss strengthening child rights protection, including addressing statelessness and barriers to child protection.

Discussions focused on advancing a SADC Protocol on Children that supports industrialisation, agricultural transformation, and a just energy transition, while ensuring children remain at the centre of the region’s development agenda. The engagement will draft recommendations to be submitted to SADC of Heads of State for consideration.

12/08/2026

12 August, International Youth Day.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, participate, thrive and build a future regardless of their nationality or place of birth.

For migrant children and youth in South Africa, access to legal documentation is more than an administrative process. It can determine whether they can access education, essential services, protection and opportunities to participate fully in society.

When young people face barriers to obtaining or renewing documentation, those barriers can have lasting consequences for their development and future.

Documentation is not just a piece of paper. It is a pathway to rights, dignity, protection and opportunity.

Every young person deserves the chance to belong, participate and realise their full potential.

04/08/2026

While residents blame undocumented migrants, rights groups say they are just being scapegoated.

Frustration over local socioeconomic challenges has boiled into door-to-door campaigns against undocumented migrants in Alexandra, but leading refugee and migrants' rights groups are saying that illegal migrants are not the real problem.

29/07/2026

Undocumented parents secure victory after court rules Home Affairs cannot deny birth registration.

In a landmark ruling that reshapes the legal landscape for undocumented families, orphans, and abandoned individuals, the Western Cape High Court has declared several key regulations governing birth registration in South Africa unconstitutional.

18/07/2026

Nelson Mndela Day, 18 July .

In honour of Nelson Mandela Day, the CoRMSA team visited Bienvenu Shelter, which provides a safe home for more than 45 women and children of different nationalities.

As part of our commitment to dignity and care, CoRMSA donated essential items, including sanitary towels, diapers, baby wipes, toiletries, and other hygiene products to support the residents.

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others." – Nelson Mandela

Together, we continue to make a difference through compassion, solidarity, and service.

15/07/2026

Did you know? These are rights — not privileges.
From work to healthcare to education, dignity belongs to everyone

Let’s replace myths with truth and build a more informed, compassionate South Africa.