ActionSA President Herman Mashaba issued a statement last night, condemning President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent address on illegal immigration as weak and reactionary. The party argues that the government has failed to provide substantive solutions to a crisis they believe was created by the ANC and is being further neglected by the current Government of National Unity (GNU).
Demands for a shift in strategy
The party's primary grievance centers on what it describes as a lack of a clear, strategic shift in policy. ActionSA maintains that effective management of the crisis requires a foundation built on mass deportations and the urgent, substantial capacitation of national enforcement capabilities. Instead, they argue that the President merely reiterated familiar talking points that have failed to address the systemic challenges of border security over the past several decades.
Concerns over transparency and accountability
Furthermore, ActionSA voiced frustration regarding the President's decision to avoid engagement with the media following his address. The party asserted that the South African public is owed direct answers and clarity on whether the measures discussed represent any genuine change from previous, ineffective policies. They criticised the address as being a scripted repetition of failed approaches that intentionally avoids public and media scrutiny.
Critique of border enforcement capacity
Central to ActionSA's argument is the state of the Border Management Authority, which the party describes as significantly underfunded, poorly equipped, and lacking the necessary resources to function effectively. Consequently, they contend that any promises made by the President to bolster enforcement are inherently ineffective.
Response to international pressure
The party also pushed back against external criticism regarding South Africa's immigration discourse. ActionSA stated that the government appears to be reacting primarily to pressure from foreign entities, rather than addressing the domestic social and economic impacts of unchecked illegal immigration. They argue that these foreign governments are deflecting from their own policy failures and misrepresenting the legitimate concerns of South African citizens who are calling for meaningful immigration reform.
Stance on national sovereignty
In concluding their statement, ActionSA reaffirmed their stance that all South Africans hold the right to demand secure national borders and a robust immigration system that prioritises the interests of the country. They emphasised that efforts to vilify these concerns are counterproductive and do nothing to resolve the underlying issues.