Johannesburg – The ANC in Gauteng has taken a hardline stance on illegal immigration, declaring it a central issue in the province’s ongoing struggle with lawlessness, service delivery failures, and infrastructure collapse.
At a media briefing on Thursday, ANC Gauteng coordinator Hope Papo made it clear that undocumented foreign nationals can no longer be allowed to “walk around comfortably” without valid documentation.
“This is a violation of labour laws, violation of the Immigration Act,” Papo stated. “The Lekgotla said that’s a very serious matter we must take up as part of our work.”
Call for Coordinated Action
Papo emphasized that addressing illegal immigration would require a joint effort between government and citizens. He criticised individuals who condemn undocumented immigration in public but employ or house undocumented foreigners in private.
“You cannot say illegal immigration is a problem when you’ve got an illegal employee or tenant in your home,” Papo said.
He clarified that the ANC’s focus is not on foreign nationals as a group, but rather on those entering the country illegally and violating South African laws.
Reclaiming the Inner City
Backing Papo’s message, ANC Gauteng co-convener Panyaza Lesufi confirmed that the province has already begun reclaiming hijacked buildings, especially within the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) — areas long associated with criminality and informal occupation, often involving undocumented migrants.
This initiative is seen as part of a broader effort to restore law and order, particularly in densely populated urban areas where state presence has weakened.
Linking Immigration to Service Delivery Failures
Gauteng has been reeling from chronic service delivery issues — including:
- Limited water supply
- Overflowing sewage systems
- Uncollected waste
- Persistent power outages
Residents blame much of the province’s decline on rampant corruption, poor municipal governance, and infrastructure neglect. The ANC now appears to be drawing a link between these failures and unchecked illegal immigration, stating that the pressure placed on schools, hospitals, and housing is unsustainable.
A Political Turning Point?
The ANC’s new posture represents a notable policy shift, especially as the country heads toward a more contested political landscape. Amid pressure from opposition parties and civil society, the ANC in Gauteng is signalling that tougher enforcement, border control, and civic responsibility will form a core part of its governance narrative going forward.
“It can no longer be business as usual,” Papo concluded.
