Protesters arrived with sticks and shields on Friday at a protest against immigrants in Actonville, Wattville and other areas in Benoni (Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee / GroundUp)
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa’s latest national speech on the country’s immigration issue drew mixed reactions. ActionSA describes it as “weak” and “reactionary”, while the DA welcomed its focus on the economic causes of unemployment.
Maroela Media earlier reported that Ramaphosa announced in a live speech on Sunday evening a five-point plan to curb illegal immigration, with stricter law enforcement, better border control, action against corruption, revised immigration laws and greater cooperation with other African countries.
According to Herman Mashaba, president of ActionSA, the national speech reflects the ANC’s “historical inability” to effectively secure South Africa’s borders.
“ActionSA is disappointed in the president’s weak and reactionary speech. It does nothing to deal with the immigration crisis created by the ANC and perpetuated by the failed Government of National Unity (GNE),” said Mashaba.
He believes the government is avoiding the necessary drastic steps to change the situation.
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa. (Photo: GCIS).
“Instead of a clear shift in approach, which we believe must be based on mass deportations and the urgent strengthening of law enforcement, the president has simply repeated the same failed and worn-out positions.”
Mashaba also criticized the president for not addressing the media, saying it undermines public accountability.
“South Africans deserve answers about what is really new in the announced measures. Instead, he dodged questions and simply delivered a pre-prepared repetition of failed policies.”
According to ActionSA, any announcements from the president will fail as long as the Border Management Authority (BMA) does not receive adequate funding and equipment.
Mashaba accuses the government of giving in to pressure from foreign governments.
“Increasingly, the government appears to act only when foreign governments apply pressure. These governments do not want to bear the consequences of their own failures. Instead of acknowledging the huge social and economic pressures of illegal immigration, they are shifting responsibility and misrepresenting South Africans’ legitimate calls for immigration reform. South Africans have the right to demand secure borders and the enforcement of laws. Downplaying these concerns solves nothing.”
‘Focus on economic growth, law enforcement’
In stark contrast to ActionSA’s approach, Geordin Hill-Lewis, leader of the DA, supported the president’s message. According to him, the cause of South Africa’s problems does not lie with foreign citizens, but with the country’s stagnant economy.
“South Africa’s economic struggles are not caused by foreign nationals, but by the failure to grow the economy and create millions of jobs. South Africans must reject xenophobia and never allow anger at hardship to turn into violence against vulnerable people.”
Hill-Lewis says the DA will help restore order and highlighted the progress that has already been made.
“The DA supports every legal effort to restore order and secure the country’s borders. That is why we welcome the work being done by Interior Minister Leon Schreiber to strengthen legal immigration controls.
“People must be in the country legally, and the law must be enforced by the state – not by mobs, vigilante groups or politicians who incite hatred for votes. Anyone who incites violence against foreign nationals must be arrested and prosecuted.”
According to Hill-Lewis, the crisis can only be resolved if the state becomes more streamlined and economically efficient.
“The deeper answer to this crisis lies in jobs, growth and a capable state. The government must move much faster to implement the necessary economic reforms to attract investment, unlock opportunities and reduce bureaucracy.
“Where the DA governs, we are already showing in practice that clean government and reliable services make it easier to create job opportunities. We will continue to fight for a South Africa that is legal, safe and prosperous for everyone who calls it home.”