The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) notes with a sense of cautious optimism the recent address by President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the complex challenges of migration and undocumented entry into South Africa.
A Broad Consensus for Reform
We welcome the President’s commitment to strengthening border security and enforcing existing labour and immigration laws. This cautious welcome is echoed by a broad cross-section of South African society. We note that the country’s major labour federations—COSATU, FEDUSA, and SAFTU—representing the bulk of South Africa’s workforce, have also welcomed the steps announced by the President. This sentiment is shared by organized business, various faith-based organisations, and several political parties who recognize that a firm, legal, and human-rights-based approach to migration is long overdue.
The current consensus provides a unique window of opportunity to address these issues systematically. For too long, the absence of decisive state action has allowed for the exploitation of vulnerable workers and the rise of community frustrations.
The Critical Role of Law Enforcement
A pivotal component of the President’s plan is the restoration of the state’s sole authority in law enforcement. We expect the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Border Management Authority (BMA), and other security agencies to act with heightened professionalism and impartiality.
Law enforcement must ensure that the rule of law is maintained without resorting to heavy-handedness. We expect these agencies to proactively prevent vigilantism, protect critical infrastructure from blockade, and relentlessly pursue internal corruption within the immigration system that facilitates unlawful entry.
A Collective Responsibility for Stability
The Foundation views the reckless calls for a “national shutdown” by certain organisations with extreme concern. While the right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, these calls often risk descending into anarchy and targeting foreign nationals.
With major labour, business, faith, and civil society formations now in agreement on the path forward, there is a powerful opportunity for collective leadership. These sectors hold the trust of millions and play a vital role in maintaining social cohesion. By working together, they can ensure that the public’s legitimate concerns are addressed through the formal implementation of the government’s plan rather than through disruptive actions that harm the economy and the poor.
Calls to Action
To ensure stability and the restoration of the rule of law, the Foundation makes the following calls:
- To Government: We demand the immediate rollout of the promised inspectors to crack down on unscrupulous employers. The government’s plan must be implemented with speed and transparency to maintain public confidence.
- To Political Parties: We call on all political parties to resist the temptation of using migration as a tool for populist electioneering. We urge parties across the spectrum to provide responsible leadership by condemning xenophobic rhetoric and supporting the state’s efforts to resolve these challenges within the framework of our Constitution. True leadership lies in solving problems, not inflaming them.
- To Labour, Business, Faith, and Civil Society Leaders: We invite these leaders to use their platforms to champion the implementation of the President’s reforms. By fostering dialogue and providing clear guidance to their members, they can help steer the country away from the chaos of a shutdown and toward a more orderly, lawful, and just society.
- To Society: We urge all South Africans to reject the “national shutdown” and instead uphold the values of our Constitution. Let us ensure our frustrations lead to constructive change rather than division.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation remains committed to deepening non-racialism and social justice. We will continue to monitor the implementation of the government’s migration plan to ensure it respects human dignity while restoring order.
ENDS
About the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation:
The Foundation aims to deepen non-racialism and promote the values of the South African Constitution. It continues the legacy of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada by advocating for ethical leadership and social justice.
Media Enquiries:
Anele Gcwabe
Communications Manager
083 278 8832
anele@kathradafoundation.org
