South Africa’s Immigration Challenge: What the ANC Says
Why Illegal Immigration Is a Concern
ANC secretary‑general Fikile Mbalula says that undocumented migrants are putting extra pressure on clinics, schools and other public services. He acknowledges that many South Africans feel the strain and that their worries are real.
The State Must Enforce the Law
Mbalula stresses that only the government—not vigilante groups or self‑appointed leaders—should enforce immigration rules. He warns:
“mob, march or self‑appointed commander” trying to take that power into their own hands.
What the Government Has Done
Deportation Numbers
He points to deportation figures to show that the ANC has acted:
- About 370,000 undocumented foreigners were removed between 2012 and 2016, mostly from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.
- Deportations rose from 39,000 in 2023/24 to 51,000 in 2024/25 and then to 57,000 in 2025/26.
- In 2007 alone, South Africa recorded more than 300,000 deportations.
Border Management Authority
The ANC created the Border Management Authority to tighten border controls, despite opposition from the Democratic Alliance. Mbalula says the agency has intercepted over 50,000 attempted illegal crossings during a single festive season.
Legal Hurdles
Mbalula notes that court cases have sometimes blocked government actions. For example, efforts to end the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit were overturned by the courts, and other lawsuits have limited detention and deportation processes for asylum seekers.
A Continental Approach
To tackle migration on a larger scale, the ANC has drafted a “continental migration compact.” The proposal calls for:
- Better cooperation between African states on migration management.
- Shared responsibility for refugee protection and burden‑sharing.
- Addressing climate‑driven migration.
- Strengthening legal migration pathways across the continent.
He describes the compact as “not an instrument of exclusion” but an African solution rooted in Ubuntu and shared responsibility.
Stopping Hate Speech
Mbalula urges South Africans to avoid derogatory terms like “amakwerekwere” or “amakurukamba” when talking about foreign nationals. He says:
“Argue your point, raise your issues but do not denigrate, do not spew hatred and ethno‑nationalism.”
Political Criticisms
He accuses the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and its leader Julius Malema of fuelling anti‑immigrant sentiment through campaigns that demand quotas for hiring South Africans. He also blames the MK Party and the Democratic Alliance (DA) for inflaming tensions, noting that the DA opposed the Border Management Authority but now claims credit for immigration enforcement.
Balancing Law and Humanity
While defending the government’s record, Mbalula insists that South Africa must respond to hardship with lawful action, not cruelty. He says the country should continue enforcing immigration laws while upholding constitutional values of dignity, humanity and Ubuntu.
Conclusion
Fikile Mbalula’s message is clear: illegal immigration is a real pressure on South Africa’s services, but the answer lies in strong, lawful state action—not in vigilante violence or hateful rhetoric. By working with other African nations and respecting human dignity, the ANC hopes to manage migration in a way that protects both citizens and newcomers.
