ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has warned against taking immigration enforcement into private hands, saying the state must manage migration while addressing economic pressures, border challenges and undocumented employment
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says South Africa’s migration challenges must be addressed through lawful state processes, warning that anti-immigration mobilisation, vigilantism and political exploitation of the issue threaten social cohesion and the country’s standing on the continent.
Mbalula said the party recognised concerns around migration but rejected attempts by individuals or groups to take enforcement into their own hands.
He said the ANC had never defended illegal immigration but maintained that immigration enforcement remained the responsibility of the state.
"We have never defended illegal immigration as just for our country. But we have condemned vigilantes. We have condemned anarchy. And we have said subject yourself to the state. And the state must do its work," Mbalula said.
