ActionSA's KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Chairperson, Cllr Zwakele Mncwango, has issued a strong statement formally rejecting any proposals to utilise municipal facilities or public resources to accommodate undocumented foreign nationals.
This declaration comes in response to growing tensions and concerns regarding the management of illegal immigration within the eThekwini Municipality, which is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The party asserts that such measures fail to address the root causes of the issue.
Addressing the broader immigration challenge
The statement highlights that South Africa is currently grappling with a significant challenge regarding illegal immigration, which has escalated to a point of tension between local communities and foreign nationals.
Cllr Mncwango emphasised that the government has a clear constitutional and legal obligation to enforce immigration laws without exception. The party argues that the current approach of managing the consequences of undocumented immigration – reflects a broader failure by the national government to secure the country's borders and maintain a functioning immigration system.
Concerns regarding the Tills Crescent situation
A specific point of contention raised by ActionSA is the situation at Tills Crescent. The party expressed deep concern over the ongoing arrangements there, citing reports of unrest and community protests as evidence that the placements are unsustainable and detrimental to local stability.
According to the party, the lack of clarity regarding timelines for processing or deportation has created an open-ended situation that places residents in danger. ActionSA insists that these individuals cannot remain in residential areas indefinitely and must be processed according to the law.
Criticism of municipal management
Furthermore, the party criticised the eThekwini Municipality for failing to confront these issues effectively, alleging that a local coalition has repeatedly blocked motions aimed at finding practical, lawful solutions.
ActionSA maintains that the municipality, already struggling with its own service delivery obligations, cannot reasonably be expected to divert limited public resources to accommodate thousands of undocumented individuals while local citizens continue to face systemic challenges such as employment and housing shortages.
Demands for legislative action
In conclusion, ActionSA is calling upon the Mayor of eThekwini to urgently engage with relevant national authorities, including the Department of Home Affairs, to ensure that the law is upheld. The party reiterated its stance that compassion should not come at the expense of the rule of law, advocating for the effective enforcement of immigration legislation and the restoration of border security as the only viable solutions to the crisis.