PRETORIA, Gauteng — In the wake of massive South Africa immigration protests that saw thousands demanding stricter border enforcement and local job protection, ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has stepped forward to address the nation’s growing frustrations. While acknowledging the governing party’s share of responsibility for the country’s systemic challenges after three decades in power, Ntuli emphasized that complex socio-economic issues cannot be resolved solely through weekly street demonstrations.
The recent nationwide marches were largely peaceful and disciplined, notably avoiding the fatalities and property destruction seen in past unrest. However, with organizers pledging to continue the demonstrations every Thursday, pressure is mounting on the state to deliver tangible results. Ntuli confirmed that the government is expediting the work of an inter-ministerial committee—appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa—to tackle the crisis systematically and within the bounds of the Constitution. Furthermore, the President recently held direct engagements with protest conveners, including representatives from movements like Operation Dudula, to hear their grievances firsthand.
A primary driver of the unrest is the widespread belief among citizens that removing foreign nationals would immediately alleviate severe congestion in public clinics, hospitals, and schools. Ntuli validated the public’s anger but contextualized the crisis within broader economic stagnation. He noted that the national economy has grown at a sluggish average of just 1% over the past 10 to 15 years, failing to absorb the workforce or adequately address poverty and inequality. Additionally, he pointed to unavoidable global shocks, such as international conflicts affecting oil supplies in regions like Iran, which inevitably ripple into the local market and exacerbate domestic hardships.
Addressing criticisms of state failure, the Chief Whip conceded that previous government interventions regarding immigration have been inadequate. He acknowledged severe vulnerabilities, including porous borders compromised by corrupt officials accepting bribes, as well as the persistent issue of foreign nationals overstaying their visas. While defending new border management measures announced a few weeks ago, Ntuli cautioned that these complex policies will not yield overnight results. He stressed that while protests are a valid democratic tool to exert pressure, lasting solutions must ultimately be forged in courtrooms and through sustained dialogue rather than perpetual marches.
The immigration debate also touches on the ANC’s 114-year legacy, which is deeply rooted in Pan-African solidarity. Ntuli explained that modern African borders were drawn by external colonial powers, artificially dividing ethnic groups such as the Batswana and Basotho across neighboring countries like Botswana. Because of these historical ties, the governing party maintains that foreign nationals are part of the broader African family and should not be treated as entirely separate entities.
However, Ntuli issued a firm call to action for neighboring states to share the burden. He urged leaders in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana to take responsibility for developing their own economies to stem the outward flow of migrants seeking a better life. Highlighting a stark contrast, he noted that South Africans are not fleeing en masse to Mozambique or Botswana because, despite local difficulties, citizens still hold hope in their national leadership to eventually navigate and resolve the crisis.