DA Leader Welcomes Migration Address, Urges Economic Reform

Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Geordin Hill-Lewis, welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent address to the nation on migration, emphasizing the need for economic reform. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on migration, a move that was met with a positive reception from the DA leader. Hill-Lewis stated that he welcomed "President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation this evening, and his clear message that South Africa’s economic struggles are not caused by foreign nationals, but by the failure to grow the economy and create millions of jobs."

Hill-Lewis called this "the right message at a dangerous moment for our country," urging South Africans to "reject xenophobia, uphold our constitutional values, and never allow anger over hardship to become violence against vulnerable people." He also affirmed the DA's support for lawful efforts within the GNU to "restore order, secure our borders, and fix the broken systems that have allowed illegal migration to become a source of fear and frustration." The DA will support lawful efforts in the Government of National Unity to restore order, secure borders, and fix the systems related to illegal migration.

Welcoming the President's Message

Geordin Hill-Lewis, Leader of the Democratic Alliance, welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's address to the nation regarding migration. Hill-Lewis stated that individuals must be present in South Africa legally. He emphasized that the state, not unofficial groups, should be responsible for enforcing laws. "People must be in South Africa legally, and the law must be enforced by the state – not by mobs, vigilantes, or politicians who stoke hatred for votes," Hill-Lewis said. His remarks showed the party's stance on lawful enforcement and rejection of extra-legal actions, advocating for a principled approach to managing migration.

Economic Roots of Crisis

The Democratic Alliance Leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, asserted that South Africa's economic struggles stem not from foreign nationals, but from the government's failure to foster economic growth and generate jobs. Hill-Lewis indicated that the fundamental solution to the current crisis lies in creating employment, stimulating growth, and establishing a capable state. He articulated that the deeper answer to the crisis facing the nation is indeed jobs, economic growth, and the establishment of a truly capable state. He urged the Government of National Unity (GNU) to accelerate the implementation of economic reforms. These reforms, Hill-Lewis explained, are essential to attract investment, unlock opportunities, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, repair critical infrastructure, and ultimately create much-needed jobs. The GNU must move faster to implement economic reforms to attract investment, unlock opportunity, cut red tape, fix infrastructure, and create jobs, he stressed. This statement, issued by Geordin Hill-Lewis – Leader of the Democratic Alliance, was published on June 7, 2026.

DA's Role in GNU

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has affirmed its commitment to supporting lawful efforts within the Government of National Unity (GNU) to restore public order, secure the nation's borders, and rectify broken systems contributing to illegal migration. Within this framework, Minister Leon Schreiber is actively engaged at the Department of Home Affairs, where he is focused on strengthening lawful immigration controls, improving documentation processes, and enhancing border security. Minister Leon Schreiber is working at Home Affairs to strengthen lawful immigration control, improve documentation, and secure the border, demonstrating the DA's practical involvement in addressing these issues. The party maintains that it is striving for a South Africa that is lawful, safe, prosperous, and united. The DA's actions and stated goals reflect its broader agenda to address issues of governance and national stability through its participation in the GNU. The party is fighting for a South Africa that is lawful, safe, prosperous, and united, showing its long-term vision.

Governing Principles and Vision

The Democratic Alliance asserts that South Africans must reject xenophobia and uphold constitutional values. The party further states that anyone inciting violence against foreign nationals must be arrested and prosecuted. Where the DA governs, the party indicates its focus is on practicing clean government, delivering reliable services, and fostering safer communities. Where the DA governs, they practice clean government, reliable services, safer communities, and focus on making it easier to invest, grow, and create jobs. It also prioritizes making it easier to invest, grow, and create jobs in these areas. This approach aims to demonstrate a tangible difference in the lives of citizens under DA leadership, providing a blueprint for national governance.