Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has issued a stern warning to undocumented immigrants, urging them to get their papers in order or risk deportation. The statement came during an address to ANC members at the provincial task team Lekgotla on 3 May 2025, drawing widespread criticism and praise online.
Lesufi, who also serves as the Gauteng Provincial Co-Convenor of the African National Congress (ANC), pointed to the Marry Me informal settlement—the site of a deadly shooting earlier this year—as a case study in the province’s broader challenges with undocumented foreign nationals.
“Most of the residents in Marry Me are undocumented immigrants,” said Lesufi. “There are many settlements where over 60% of the residents are foreign nationals. No country can thrive with such uncertainty—we must account for everyone living within our borders.”
Deportation or Documentation
Lesufi’s comments included a clear ultimatum: undocumented immigrants must either regularize their status or face deportation. He emphasized the need for “firmness”, stating that South Africa cannot afford to ignore the issue any longer.
Border Crackdown
The premier’s comments come on the heels of recent action by the Border Management Authority (BMA), which reported blocking more than 6,200 illegal border crossings during the Easter weekend alone. Over 100 individuals were arrested for aiding illegal immigration.
The crackdown is seen as part of a broader strategy to tackle illegal immigration, which many officials argue has impacted social services, safety, and housing stability in several urban areas.
Mixed Reactions
While some praised Lesufi’s direct approach, critics accused him of scapegoating vulnerable communities and stoking xenophobic sentiments. Social media was flooded with mixed reactions, with some users demanding tighter immigration enforcement and others calling for more humane, rights-based approaches.
