ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has accused former president Jacob Zuma of using South Africa’s immigration challenges to score political points and gain support for the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party.
The remarks come amid growing public debate over illegal immigration and border management in South Africa. Anti-illegal immigration groups, including March and March, have organised demonstrations calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
Addressing the media in Johannesburg, Mbalula criticised Zuma for supporting the anti-illegal immigration movement March and March, warning that such actions could inflame tensions and lead to violence.
“Does he know what will happen here? Who wants this violence that is being promoted here?” Mbalula asked.
He alleged that Zuma’s support for the movement was driven by electoral considerations.
“He is supporting them for political reasons because he wants votes. There are many ways to win votes,” Mbalula said.
Mbalula further accused the former president of fuelling division and hostility towards foreign nationals.
“A statesman, a man who was once president of this country, stands on a platform and fuels violence. How can a man who was a leader call for violence?” he said.
The ANC Secretary-General also cautioned against rhetoric that could portray South Africans as xenophobic to the rest of the continent, saying the country’s immigration challenges should be addressed responsibly and within the framework of the law.
Immigration has become an increasingly contested political issue ahead of upcoming elections, with several political parties and civic organisations taking differing positions on how the government should address undocumented migration while balancing human rights and regional relations. The issue has also raised concerns about xenophobia and social cohesion in communities experiencing economic hardship and increased competition for jobs and public services.
