The address, scheduled to take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria at 18:00, is expected to focus on the government’s approach to managing illegal migration and responding to growing public concerns over immigration. The issue has dominated headlines in recent months, with political parties, civic organisations, and community forums expressing sharply differing views on the matter.

Speaking at the South African Communist Party’s Conference of the Left in Johannesburg, EFF leader Julius Malema argued migrants were being unfairly blamed for challenges facing the country.

Malema said migrants are being unfairly blamed for South Africa’s structural problems and an uncaring government. His comments came amid ongoing protests and attacks on foreign nationals in several parts of the country.

At the same time, the civic movement March and March has intensified its campaign against undocumented immigration. The organisation insists its activities are not motivated by xenophobia.

March and March leaders said their movement is not xenophobic, but it is a peaceful organisation. Its founder, former radio journalist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has positioned the movement as legitimate activism aimed at protecting the country’s interests.

The group has issued an ultimatum demanding that all undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by 30 June. It has been warned failure to meet the deadline could result in a national shutdown aimed at forcing government intervention and the removal of undocumented immigrants.

The government has, however, cautioned against any attempts to destabilise the country through shutdowns. Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni acknowledged citizens’ constitutional right to protest but warned against unlawful actions.

“There will never be another shutdown of this country, there will never be another destabilisation of this country,” she said.  

The immigration debate has also played out in the Free State, where a planned shutdown in May, aimed at highlighting concerns around service delivery, unemployment and undocumented foreign nationals, descended into violence in parts of Bloemfontein.

More than 160 suspects were arrested after unrest resulted in the looting of shops owned by foreign nationals.

Mangaung metro city manager Sello More condemned the violence and urged residents to use lawful channels to raise concerns about immigration enforcement.

“We encourage citizens to engage with law enforcement institutions if they are not happy with how law enforcement is dealing with issues of illegal immigrants, if that is the case.

“But at the same time, we cannot justify looting and say it is an act of dealing with illegal immigrants; only God knows if people owning these shops are legal or illegal. So we cannot be punishing people for owning shops even if they are legal.”

Concerns around illicit trade and compliance by foreign-owned spaza shops have also featured prominently in the debate.

Addressing the issue, Free State MEC for economic development and tourism Ketso Makume warned landlords who rent out premises to businesses operating illegally or selling unlicensed goods could face criminal charges alongside business owners. 

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.