MBABANE – South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has summoned the Eswatini envoy for talks over convicted deportees from the United States of America.
“We have demarched the ambassador to engage on this issue to understand the contents of the agreement, what is it about, and what will be its impact to this agreement visa regime that we have with Eswatini and other very good neighbourly relations that we have with Eswatini as our very good sisterly country,” Lamola said.
Pretoria only seeks clarity from Eswatini following the deal the kingdom had made with the US. South Africa’s worry, after it raised national security concerns, is that the individuals are criminals from various countries who have been convicted for serious offenses.
“As you have already said, the proximity, the type of visa regime we have with Eswatini makes this a security issue. It should be an issue that we are concerned about,” Lamola said.
Eswatini assured South Africa that it is seized with this matter and that the deportees are on transit pending the conclusion of repatriation processes.
Responding on this matter to SABC, Eswatini Ministry of Foreign Affairs Communications Officer Sikhumbuzo Bhembe said they continue to have open communication lines with South Africa.
“Indeed, the kingdom of Eswatini is facilitating the safe and orderly repatriation of these individuals to their countries of origin, while addressing the sensitivities surrounding their criminal backgrounds,” Bhembe said.
Bhembe said the security concern is covered as the convicted individuals are held under the highest security protocols with very minimal grounds for potential escapes.
“It is also important to point out that the kingdom of Eswatini deeply values its enduring partnership with the Republic of South Africa and is committed to open communication and cooperation on this matter,” Bhembe said.
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