The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is taking bold steps to address illegal immigration in South Africa, with leader Velenkosini Hlabisa announcing plans to introduce a bill in Parliament aimed at speeding up the deportation process for undocumented foreign nationals. During a provincial council meeting in Johannesburg on Sunday, Hlabisa emphasized that while the IFP’s stance is not xenophobic, the well-being of South Africans must come first.
“We are not xenophobic,” Hlabisa reassured the public. “But South Africans must come first.” The IFP leader explained that the current immigration and deportation processes are hindered by legal delays, which have resulted in many undocumented foreign nationals staying in the country longer than necessary. Hlabisa believes the bill will allow for quicker repatriation of those who are in the country illegally, especially those not contributing specialized skills.
Hlabisa’s comments come amid growing concerns over job opportunities being taken by undocumented foreign nationals, which he argues should be available to South Africans. He pointed out that many foreign nationals in South Africa do not possess specialized skills and should be helped to return to their home countries, thereby freeing up jobs for locals.
One of the major issues highlighted by Hlabisa is the law enforcement’s difficulty in tracing foreign nationals involved in criminal activities. “In instances of crime, there are people who cannot be traced or arrested because we have no record of their fingerprints,” he said, underscoring the challenges posed by illegal immigration to national security.
The IFP’s focus on legislative reform comes in response to a growing national debate on illegal immigration. Other political parties like ActionSA and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) have also called for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants. Hlabisa, who also serves as the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), noted that the proposed bill would be a priority for the IFP over the next four years.
“We want to make sure that South Africa belongs to South Africans, and that every foreign national without specialized skills is assisted to go back to their home country,” he added.
The IFP’s push for swift and efficient deportation reflects a broader movement among South African political parties to address the complex issue of illegal immigration while balancing economic opportunities for locals. With growing public support for these measures, it remains to be seen how the proposed legislation will shape the country’s immigration policy in the coming years.
