March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma rejected President Cyril Ramaphosa's assertion that only state officials are authorised to enforce immigration laws, stating Ramaphosa "doesn't understand the immigration crisis." Ramaphosa had stressed that enforcing immigration laws remains the responsibility of the state, stating, "Only authorised government officials may act against violations of the law. No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality." This clear directive from the President showed the government's stance on the exclusive authority of state officials in immigration matters.
Ngobese-Zuma countered this position, citing Section 24 of the Immigration Act and the criminal procedures act. She argued these entitle citizens to enforce citizens' arrest, adding, "The president cannot simply ignore and disown that." Ngobese-Zuma also claimed the border is "operating at 25% capacity," with "75% of our border is open," and suggested, "The government is trying to deal with the immigration crisis without the people." She further insisted that communities have a key role to play in tackling illegal immigration, a point of significant contention with the government's official stance.
Ramaphosa's Plan for Enforcement
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday, outlining interventions designed to strengthen immigration enforcement. He announced plans for intensified deportations, tighter border controls, and increased inspections as part of the government's strategy. These measures were presented as a full approach to managing the country's immigration challenges. Ramaphosa acknowledged public sentiment regarding the issue, stating, "Many South Africans are asking difficult but legitimate questions…They are concerned about safety, security, and the rule of law. These concerns are real. They deserve to be heard. They deserve to be addressed." His address aimed to reassure the public that their concerns were being taken seriously by the administration.
The President reiterated the government's position on enforcement authority. He emphasized that "Only authorised government officials may act against violations of the law. No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality." This statement showed the administration's view that immigration law enforcement is exclusively a state function, contrasting with calls for citizen involvement. Ramaphosa's remarks noted a distinction between public concern and public enforcement, reserving the latter for trained state personnel. The announced measures aim to address public concerns while maintaining official control over enforcement actions, thereby avoiding vigilantism.
Community Role in Immigration
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of March and March, asserted that local communities have a significant role to play in addressing illegal immigration. Ngobese-Zuma specifically disputed President Cyril Ramaphosa's position that communities should not be involved in identifying undocumented immigrants. Her statements highlight a fundamental disagreement with the government's stance on who bears responsibility for immigration enforcement. She insisted that communities are vital partners in tackling the complexities of illegal immigration, offering a perspective that prioritizes grassroots involvement.
Ramaphosa had previously maintained that such enforcement is exclusively the domain of authorized state officials, warning against citizens confronting individuals to demand proof of nationality. Ngobese-Zuma's counter-argument suggests a belief that community involvement is not only permissible but necessary for effective immigration control, particularly given perceived shortcomings in state capacity. She argued that the existing legal framework, specifically Section 24 of the Immigration Act and the criminal procedures act, empowers citizens to take action.
The debate over community participation comes amid broader public action. On Monday, June 8, numerous residents marched through Ekurhuleni. The participants demanded increased employment opportunities specifically for South African citizens, alleging that some companies were prioritising foreign nationals over local job seekers. This demonstration shows the public sentiment that Ngobese-Zuma's organisation appears to be mobilising. South Africans marched in Ekurhuleni on Monday against companies they accuse of employing foreign nationals while locals remain unemployed, further noting the tension between local employment and the presence of foreign nationals.
Capacity and Governance Criticisms
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma stated that the president's proposals fail to address the reality on the ground concerning immigration enforcement. Citing Section 24 of the Immigration Act and the criminal procedures act, Ngobese-Zuma asserted that "we (the people) are entitled to enforce citizens' arrest," suggesting a different approach to national security. She claimed that the country's border infrastructure operates with significant limitations, stating, "The border is operating at 25% capacity. So, 75% of our border is open." This claim paints a picture of porous borders, which she argues undermines the effectiveness of any enforcement strategy. Ngobese-Zuma questioned the feasibility of the government's plans for intensified deportations, particularly given the reported constraint of only 800 immigration officers available nationwide to manage such operations. She specifically questioned how the government plans to intensify deportations with such a limited number of personnel. Her statements show concerns regarding the practical aspects of implementing the government's immigration strategy and the perceived gaps in current enforcement capabilities.
Broader Public Sentiment
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged growing public frustration over illegal immigration, stating, "Many South Africans are asking difficult but legitimate questions…They are concerned about safety, security, and the rule of law. These concerns are real. They deserve to be heard. They deserve to be addressed." Public sentiment was further evidenced by a march in Ekurhuleni on Monday, where residents protested against companies accused of employing foreign nationals while local citizens faced unemployment. This event reflected widespread discontent regarding job opportunities and immigration. Protesters delivered memorandums to employers, informing them of their intention to return on June 17 to submit curriculum vitae. The action in Ekurhuleni on Monday, June 8, involved scores of residents marching through the area, demanding employment opportunities for South Africans and accusing some companies of overlooking local job seekers in favour of foreign nationals. This concerted effort by residents notes the depth of public feeling on the issue of employment and immigration.
