South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday, has outlined the government’s comprehensive approach to managing migration and illegal immigration.
In a speech delivered from the Union Buildings in Tshwane, the President acknowledged the legitimate concerns of South Africans regarding secure borders, job opportunities, pressure on public services, safety, while simultaneously calling for unity and a rejection of xenophobia.
Addressing Public Concerns and Economic Realities
The President recognized that many South Africans are asking difficult but legitimate questions about migration while emphasized that these concerns are real and deserve to be heard and addressed.
However, he also cautioned against
misdirecting frustration, stating, “Yet we must recognise that illegal immigration is not the cause of all our economic challenges.”
Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s persistently high unemployment rates, particularly among young people, and the struggles many families face.
He asserted that the true solutions lie in “faster economic growth, greater investment, industrial expansion,
infrastructure development and the creation of millions of new jobs.”
Upholding Laws and Combating Corruption
The President reiterated that South Africa, like all sovereign nations, has laws governing who can enter, work, and reside within its borders.
The fundamental principle, he stated, is
that “every person within the borders of South Africa should be here legally.”
He acknowledged weaknesses in migration management, including rigorous enforcement, instances of corruption, and gaps in systems that have undermined public confidence.
“South Africans are entitled to expect better,” he admitted, promising decisive action to correct these shortcomings.
Ramaphosa made it clear that only authorized government officials are permitted to act against violations of immigration laws, condemning any form of vigilantism.
He firmly rejected xenophobia, racism, sexism, and Afrophobia, urging communities not to be swayed by those who seek to destabilize the country through lawlessness and violence.
He also warned against social media campaigns spreading misinformation and fake news about foreign nationals.
Comprehensive Approach to Migration Management
To address the multifaceted challenges of illegal immigration, Ramaphosa
announced a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, adopted by Cabinet and endorsed by the President’s Coordinating Council.
The objective is clear: a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced, businesses compete fairly, communities feel safe, and constitutional values are upheld.
The President outlined five key measures:
1. Crackdown on Violations: Intensified efforts by the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority, and South African Police Service to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals.
The Border Management Authority alone intercepted 450,000 people attempting illegal entry in the past year. Dedicated courts will be established to expedite deportations.
2. Secure Borders: Continued investment in modern technology, infrastructure, and personnel to ensure secure borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.
Refugee reception centers will be phased to border posts, starting with the Tshwane center, to process asylum applications more efficiently.
3. Combating Corruption and Modernizing Systems: A continued crackdown on corruption within the Department of Home Affairs, recognizing that illegal immigration is often enabled by corrupt officials.
The establishment of an Intelligent Population Register with biometric data will lay the foundation for a Digital ID, progressively discontinuing the green ID books that have enabled identity theft.
4. Strengthening Laws and Policies: Addressing fragmented and contradictory immigration laws that create loopholes.
The finalized National Labour Migration Policy proposes maximum quotas for documented foreign nationals and stricter penalties, includes imprisonment, for employers hiring undocumented workers.
The Employment Services Amendment Bill will empower the Minister to set quotas in various economic sectors. Support for South African informal businesses will also be enhanced through initiatives like the Spaza Shop Fund.
5. Regional and Continental Cooperation: Working with other African countries through SADC, the African Union, and bilateral relations to find sustainable solutions to migration challenges.
South African leader emphasized that migration pressures require peace, economic growth, and opportunity, not just enforcement. He announced that envoys would be sent to sister African countries to outline these measures.
A Call for Unity and Respect for the Rule of Law
The President concluded by stressing that while illegal immigration is a significant challenge that poses risks to South Africa’s security, stability, and economic progress, it must be tackled without resorting to violence, intimidation, or victimisation.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that illegal migration affects service delivery, burdens essential services, and often overlaps with organized crime.
He also addressed the exploitation of undocumented immigrants by unscrupulous employers who pay below minimum wage and make them work in poor conditions, promising stronger penalties and stricter enforcement against such practices.
Concerns from communities about foreign nationals dominating informal businesses were also acknowledged, with a commitment to support local enterprise.
Ultimately, Ramaphosa called for unity, determination, and respect for the rule of law. “We can protect our borders while protecting human dignity.
According to him, “We can enforce our laws while upholding our Constitution,” the President affirmed, envisioning secure, lawful, compassionate, and prosperous South Africa.