KEMPTON PARK, Gauteng — South Africa is accelerating a comprehensive illegal immigration crackdown with the announcement of a R9.7 billion border project designed to secure hundreds of kilometers of its frontiers. The mega-infrastructure initiative was unveiled by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi during the Federation of Unions of South Africa’s (FEDUSA) 8th National Congress, signaling a decisive shift in how the country manages cross-border crime, migration, and local employment.
The announcement was made on Day Two of the FEDUSA congress, which hosted a critical panel discussion focusing on migration, national labour laws, and the evolving world of work.
Securing the Borders
As the chair of the interministerial committee on migration, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi detailed the massive R9.7 billion borderline mega-project, which the country aims to conclude by 2030. Kubayi emphasized that physical infrastructure is necessary because traditional border patrolling is no longer effective.
“Even for patrolling, soldiers are not able to patrol [because] the roads are not good,” Kubayi explained, noting the government’s transparency regarding the poor conditions at the borders. She clarified that the issue extends beyond refugees and illegal immigrants, deeply involving organized crime and illicit activities. “There’s nothing that closes between us, for example, and Zimbabwe… So it’s both dealing with issues of organized crime and dealing with migration. That’s why we have to [build physical lines]. But we’ve also said we want to be able to monitor because there’s been allegations of corruption.”
Dr. Michael Masiapato of the Border Management Authority confirmed that priority areas for the borderline project have already been identified to ensure the funds are deployed effectively.
Prioritizing South African Workers
Parallel to the physical border security, the government is tightening labour laws to protect local jobs. Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth assured workers at the congress that the Employment Services Amendment Bill—currently open for public comment until November 6—is designed to prioritize South African citizens.
“The purpose, the intention of the act is clear,” Meth stated. “It’s about us prioritizing South Africans. It says any person who employs a foreign national to work within the territory of the Republic of South Africa must satisfy themselves… that there are no persons in the republic other than foreign nationals with the necessary skills to fill the vacancy before recruiting a foreign national.”
To enforce these new regulations, the Employment and Labour Minister noted that they are looking to the upcoming midterm budget to fund the hiring of 10,000 labour inspectors, a move initially announced by the President during the State of the Nation Address.
Concerns Over Sustainability and Corruption
Despite the government’s ambitious plans, FEDUSA-affiliated workers at the congress expressed impatience and deep concern over job security, questioning the long-term sustainability of physical barriers.
Delegates pointed out the geographical realities of the borders, noting that while a river divides some areas with Zimbabwe, other sections have no natural barriers, allowing people to cross back and forth daily. Workers also drew comparisons to international efforts, noting that former US President Donald Trump struggled to complete a continuous border fence, and highlighting that existing fences near the Musina area have already been breached with holes.
“How sustainable is this?” one worker challenged, urging the ministers to be honest about the daily realities on the ground. The union members also raised urgent concerns about “mischief, corruption, and shenanigans” within government departments that could undermine the multi-billion rand investment.
As the country looks toward 2030 to complete the border mega-project, the deadline for the public to submit comments on the Employment Services Amendment Bill remains November 6, marking a pivotal period for South Africa’s immigration and labour policies.
