The African National Congress (ANC) says the enforcement of immigration laws must remain the responsibility of the democratic state, warning that no group or individual has the authority to take the law into their own hands.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula made the remarks during a media briefing on Thursday following the March and March demonstrations on 30 June, when calls for a national shutdown and anti-immigration protests were held in parts of the country.
Mbalula said South Africa had remained operational despite the shutdown calls, with schools, public transport, clinics and businesses continuing to function.
He thanked South Africans who continued with their daily activities, as well as members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Border Management Authority (BMA) and other security services.
“Where there was violence, intimidation and looting, the law took its course, and it will continue to do so,” Mbalula said.
The ANC said migration should not be treated solely as a domestic issue, describing it as a continental challenge driven by conflict, economic inequality, climate change and rising youth unemployment across Africa.
According to the party, South Africa is home to about 3.95 million foreign-born residents, accounting for 6.5% of the population, placing pressure on public services, including clinics, schools and housing.
Mbalula said the ANC had prepared a proposed Continental Compact on Migration in Africa, which it wants the government to present before the African Union.
The compact calls on African countries to adopt a coordinated approach to migration, including stronger legal frameworks, a continental migration data platform, burden-sharing mechanisms for receiving countries, and improved efforts to address the root causes of migration.
The ANC also rejected claims that the government has failed to act against undocumented immigration.
Mbalula said the state has deported hundreds of thousands of people over the years, including more than 312,000 in 2007, which he said was the highest number recorded in a single year.
He added that the Border Management Authority intercepted more than 50,000 people at ports of entry and along the country’s borders during a recent festive season.
However, Mbalula accused some civic organisations and opposition parties of challenging government immigration decisions in court while simultaneously accusing the state of failing to act.
He referred to court challenges involving the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit, refugee reception offices and detention regulations, saying the courts had, in several instances, limited the government’s ability to deport or detain undocumented migrants and asylum seekers.
Mbalula also criticised the Democratic Alliance (DA), claiming it had opposed the establishment of the Border Management Authority when the legislation was introduced in Parliament.
The ANC Secretary-General said the government was also pursuing further legislative reforms, including a proposed Bill that would require asylum seekers to apply for protection in the first safe country they enter.
He said the proposed legislation would not prevent genuine refugees from seeking protection in South Africa but would close loopholes in the asylum system.
“The ANC brings reform, not riot,” Mbalula said.
