Calls for the deportation of illegal immigrants are gaining momentum in South Africa, as more voices—including KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli—add their support. In response, several marches are planned in Durban, with the largest rally organised by the Progressive Forces taking place in both Durban and Pretoria on 23 September. The protests aim to pressure the government into signing a White Paper on immigration, auditing the 2022 national census, and expediting the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
In Durban, the Ubuntu Business Umbrella (ABU), representing small businesses and hawkers, has also joined the movement. This organisation held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss their concerns about illegal immigrants occupying the informal trading sector. Their chairperson, Nathi Mbatha, emphasised the need to safeguard informal trading spaces for South Africans, stating that illegal immigrants are using this sector as a “haven.” ABU plans to launch a petition, which will be circulated across the KwaZulu-Natal province for signatures, calling on the government to reserve informal trading for local citizens.
Mbatha stressed the importance of handling the situation with caution to avoid sparking tensions, drawing parallels with the violent 2008 xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg and other provinces, which resulted in over 60 deaths. ABU, which has been active since 2012, claims to have more than 10,000 members, predominantly in Durban.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Speaks Out
Thamsanqa Ntuli has taken a firm stance, repeatedly calling for the deportation of illegal immigrants. Earlier this week, he vowed to lead a campaign to return undocumented immigrants to their countries of origin, urging them to obtain proper documentation before returning to South Africa. Ntuli made it clear that his approach is not driven by xenophobia but by a desire to ensure that every resident of KwaZulu-Natal is legally documented. His comments were echoed at the recent reed dance ceremony in Ingwavuma and at a crime and service delivery Imbizo in Pietermaritzburg.
Ntuli’s remarks come on the heels of a significant police operation that led to the arrest of over 120 illegal immigrants living in hijacked buildings in Durban. With tensions surrounding immigration rising, the issue is becoming increasingly politicised, particularly in the lead-up to national elections. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has openly opposed the deportation of illegal immigrants, presenting a stark contrast to the position taken by other political leaders.
A Divided Nation
The call for mass deportation has ignited a national conversation about immigration, unemployment, and the informal trading sector. Small businesses argue that illegal immigrants are taking opportunities from locals, while others warn of the dangers of fuelling xenophobic sentiments. South Africa’s history of violence between locals and immigrants adds a layer of complexity to the debate, with many recalling the tragic events of 2008.
As protests loom and the political landscape shifts, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these growing demands. For now, leaders like Ntuli are standing firm in their commitment to addressing the issue head-on, but caution is advised to avoid inflaming tensions further.
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