PRETORIA, GAUTENG — The African National Congress (ANC) has formally addressed the ongoing South Africa immigration protests, with party leadership calling for a decisive government response to the unrest. As demonstrators across the country vow to maintain their momentum until their demands are met, ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Dakota Legoete has articulated the ruling party’s position, emphasizing the critical balance between addressing legitimate public grievances and strictly upholding the rule of law.
Balancing the Right to Protest with the Rule of Law
Speaking on the widespread unrest, Legoete expressed the ANC’s deep sympathy for the daily challenges faced by South Africans regarding migration. While the party firmly defends the constitutional right of citizens to engage in peaceful marches, Legoete drew a hard line against any form of violence, looting, or vigilantism.
He warned that civil disobedience and the destruction of property not only disrespect the legal framework of the nation but also pose a severe threat to national security. Describing South Africa as a historically “activist country” with a long legacy of resistance, he noted that citizens will not allow unlawful behavior to go unchecked, but cautioned that a slippery slope of unchecked vigilantism could ultimately lead to severe national instability or even civil war.
Live Unrest in Mpumalanga and Security Deployments
The urgency of the situation was highlighted by live reports from the ground in Mashishing Township, Mpumalanga, where frustrated residents were seen blockading roads with burning tires. Locals expressed intense anger over a perceived surge in drug peddling and substance abuse, which they directly attribute to undocumented foreign nationals, citing the devastating impact on the youth.
In response to the escalating security concerns, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been deployed to assist local authorities, including operations in areas like Hillbrow in the Gauteng province. As the chair of the portfolio committee on defense, Legoete stressed that citizens with genuine complaints must channel their grievances through official police channels rather than taking the law into their own hands.
Constitutional Mandates and International Protocols
A major focal point of Legoete’s address was the legal and constitutional framework governing residency. He pointed to Section 21 of the Bill of Rights—specifically subsections 3 and 4—which dictates that the right to residence is strictly reserved for citizens and mandates that all citizens must be properly documented.
Furthermore, he challenged undocumented foreigners to adhere to established international and regional laws. He cited the 1949 Geneva Convention, specifically its 12 treaties that clearly differentiate between genuine refugees fleeing war and economic migrants. He also referenced the 1967 Organization of African Unity (OAU) protocols, noting that post-colonial borders established during the 1884 Berlin Conference require proper documentation for cross-border movement. Legoete argued that expecting South Africa to accept undocumented individuals without respecting these protocols is an infringement on the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Rooting Out State Corruption and Securing Borders
The ANC NEC member did not shy away from criticizing the state’s own institutional failures. He alleged that “dishonest officials” within the police service, the Department of Home Affairs, defense, and intelligence agencies have enabled a massive security lapse by choosing corruption over their constitutional obligations.
According to Legoete, citizenship has effectively been sold at the borders, allowing unaccounted individuals to enter the country. He demanded strict consequence management for these corrupt perpetrators. Highlighting the grim reality of the crime crisis, he noted that over 29,000 people are murdered annually by criminal elements. Furthermore, he pointed out that police dockets frequently remain unfinished because many suspects are not captured in the Home Affairs database, complicating the pursuit of justice.
Economic Strain and the Path Forward
Addressing the socio-economic root causes fueling the South Africa immigration protests, Legoete painted a stark picture of the country’s economic realities. He noted that while 18 million people currently receive SASSA social grants, statistics indicate that 32 million South Africans go to bed hungry every day. Additionally, with over 12 million citizens unemployed, the influx of undocumented economic migrants—who he argued are not fleeing civil wars but are instead seeking work—creates intense competition for scarce job opportunities.
Addressing the “Pariah State” Image
The interview also touched upon South Africa’s deteriorating image on the African continent. Following comments from an economist suggesting the country is risking becoming a “pariah state”—evidenced by neighboring nations issuing travel alerts and paying to evacuate their own citizens—Legoete agreed that the issue requires immediate confrontation.
To rectify the situation and protect the nation’s reputation, he proposed several actionable solutions:
- Establishing a permanent interministerial committee to manage immigration comprehensively, rather than on a temporary basis.
- Tasking the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) with engaging foreign diplomats and affected nations.
- Having the Presidency issue formal convoys to engage the African Union and the UN Commission on Refugees.
Legoete concluded by stressing that South Africa must clearly communicate its own struggles with poverty and hunger to the international community, ensuring that the country’s sovereignty is respected while simultaneously demanding that all foreign nationals abide by its laws.