PRETORIA, Gauteng — ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has addressed the recent waves of immigration protests across South Africa, acknowledging the governing party’s responsibility while emphasizing that lasting solutions to the country’s complex border and socio-economic challenges must be found through legal and systematic engagements rather than just street demonstrations.
Thousands of people recently took to the streets nationwide to protest against illegal immigration, demanding stricter border controls and better opportunities for locals. Ntuli noted that the demonstrations were largely peaceful and disciplined, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic right to express grievances without violence or property destruction. He confirmed that the government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is expediting the work of an inter-ministerial committee appointed to address these immigration challenges in a manner that aligns with the Constitution.
When pressed on the ANC’s responsibility regarding the country’s systemic failures and allegations of losing touch with its voter base, Ntuli stated that a responsible governing party cannot abdicate accountability. However, he contextualized the crisis as a regional issue, pointing out that harsh socio-economic conditions across the continent drive migration into South Africa. He highlighted that the local economy has grown at an average of just 1% over the past 10 to 15 years, resulting in high unemployment. He also noted that South Africa is part of a global economy, where international issues—such as conflicts affecting oil in places like Iran—immediately impact local economic stability. Many protesters believe that conditions at schools, clinics, and hospitals would improve if foreigners were not in the country, with some organizers vowing to continue the demonstrations every Thursday.
Ntuli conceded that previous government actions regarding immigration have been inadequate, though he defended recent measures announced by President Ramaphosa, noting that such complex interventions cannot yield overnight results. He acknowledged the frustrations of citizens dealing with porous borders, corrupt officials accepting bribes, and foreign nationals overstaying their visas. Despite the anger, he urged that while protests are a valid way to exert pressure, a lasting resolution will ultimately be found in the courtroom and through continued engagement between protest organizers, movements like Operation Dudula, and the state.
Addressing the complexities of the ANC’s historical stance on African solidarity, Ntuli explained that the party’s 114-year legacy is rooted in the unity of African people. He pointed out that current borders were drawn by colonial powers, separating families such as the Batswana and Basotho across countries like Botswana. While emphasizing that foreign nationals are part of the broader African family, Ntuli stressed that individual African nations must take responsibility for developing their own economies. He urged continental colleagues in countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana to improve local conditions, which would mitigate the influx of migrants seeking a better life in South Africa.
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