CAPE TOWN — The escalating crisis surrounding illegal immigration and a looming June 30 deadline for undocumented individuals to depart the country have taken center stage in Parliament. During a National Assembly debate on the Appropriation Bill, lawmakers addressed the systemic failures of the Home Affairs Department and the potential for unrest as the deadline approaches.
The parliamentary discussions coincide with a directive from the civil society group March and March, which has issued a strict June 30 ultimatum for undocumented foreign nationals to leave. Several Members of Parliament defended the organization, arguing it is stepping in to assist a Home Affairs Department that has failed to execute deportations and perform its constitutional duties. Lawmakers maintained that the group’s actions are neither xenophobic nor illegal, but are necessary to uphold the rule of law, protect national sovereignty, and maintain public order.
Speakers highlighted that the primary duty of the state is to monitor who enters and remains within its borders. However, the national immigration system was described as severely undermined by weak enforcement and administrative dysfunction. Lawmakers pointed out that the current illegal immigration crisis is a direct result of the department’s inability to manage the legal movement of people. Furthermore, it was noted that the government has spent over 600 million rand on measures to silence public frustration rather than addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Addressing potential solutions, a spokesperson for Aljama called on the minister to issue four-year permits to all undocumented individuals who do not have a criminal record. This proposal extends to Zionist supporters seeking refuge in the country, framed as a necessary intervention following the state’s failure to exercise administrative justice. Additionally, lawmakers highlighted a critical logistical bottleneck, noting there are only five asylum centers in the country, which raises serious questions about how individuals can realistically access the system to legalize their status.
Despite the push for stricter enforcement, other voices in the Assembly cautioned against blaming vulnerable populations who are also suffering from the government’s legislative failures. Lawmakers highlighted a perceived double standard in public discourse, noting that the legal status and economic contributions of white tourists and citizens are rarely questioned, whereas black African nationals face intense scrutiny. They questioned who ultimately benefits from fostering division and violence among communities.
In response to the looming deadline and the possibility of violence, Acting Police Minister Professor Ferose Kachalia held a media briefing to outline the government’s security posture. Professor Kachalia confirmed that law enforcement agencies are on high alert and that the SDF is on standby to handle any eventuality next Tuesday. To manage the situation and ensure public safety, an additional 600 million rand has been specifically allocated to fund these security measures.