President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning to South African employers who hire undocumented immigrants, stating they could face imprisonment for violating immigration laws. The president delivered this strong message during a parliamentary question-and-answer session on Thursday....Click to Read More >>➤

Ramaphosa explicitly referenced the Immigration Act, which clearly prohibits employers from hiring illegal foreigners. He emphasized that the law treats this violation as a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment, substantial fines, or both penalties combined.

“I want to state it very clearly that employers who continue to employ people who are not documented are committing an offence. And we are going to make sure that those employers stop what they are doing,” the president declared firmly.

The president’s statements came in response to questioning from IFP MP and chief whip Nhlanhla Hadebe about government interventions to address South Africa’s illegal immigration crisis and border security challenges. Ramaphosa acknowledged widespread public concern about employers preferring undocumented workers as cheap labor.

He recognized that illegal immigration places significant strain on South Africa’s social services and compromises national security. The president referenced the recent tragic Limpopo bus crash that claimed 43 Zimbabwean and Malawian lives, noting the discovery of antiretroviral drugs at the scene had heightened legitimate public concerns about undocumented migration.

However, Ramaphosa cautioned against vigilante actions, stressing that such measures undermine the rule of law without solving the underlying problem. He revealed that over 51,000 illegal immigrants had been deported in the past financial year through coordinated government efforts.

The president detailed enhanced border security measures, including the deployment of 600 border guards by the newly established Border Management Authority to vulnerable border segments. He also noted the successful use of drones and body cameras by Home Affairs officials to create a more secure digital border environment.

During the same session, Ramaphosa addressed concerns about gang violence in the Western Cape, particularly the October mass killing of seven men in Philippi, Cape Town. He confirmed the case remains under active investigation with five suspects already arrested.

The president outlined an intelligence-led, multidisciplinary approach involving the South African Police Service, Western Cape provincial government, and City of Cape Town to counter organized criminal networks. This includes Operation Lockdown, Operation Shanela, and Project Combat focusing on recovering illegal firearms, dismantling drug networks, and apprehending wanted gang affiliates.

Ramaphosa emphasized addressing root causes, stating that economic desperation fuels criminality. He stressed that improving economic growth and investor confidence remains crucial, noting that investors avoid areas plagued by gang violence and poor service delivery. ...Click to Read More >>➤