Former president Jacob Zuma has reaffirmed his support for the March and March movement’s campaign against illegal immigration, while cautioning that calls for stricter enforcement of immigration laws must not lead to xenophobia, discrimination or violence.
Zuma met with the movement’s leadership on Tuesday, with the MK Party saying the discussions focused on illegal immigration and concerns affecting South Africans.
According to MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu, Zuma acknowledged the work carried out by March and March in raising concerns about illegal immigration and the enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws.
The movement, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has staged protests across the country calling for stricter border controls, the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals and greater prioritisation of South African citizens in employment and economic opportunities.
The MK Party reiterated its position that foreign nationals who are in South Africa without lawful immigration status should regularise their stay or return to their countries of origin through lawful processes.
Mahlangu said concerns relating to unemployment, border security, pressure on public services and the protection of local economic opportunities required decisive and responsible intervention from government.
However, the party stressed that enforcing immigration laws should not be used as justification for xenophobia, discrimination or violence, adding that everyone’s dignity and human rights must be respected.
The meeting comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the movement’s protests and its campaign against undocumented immigration. The demonstrations have attracted controversy, with concerns raised over alleged attacks on foreign nationals and violence during some protests.
The MK Party has also publicly defended March and March’s constitutional right to protest, arguing that peaceful demonstrations and the expression of grievances must be protected.
Zuma’s latest engagement with the movement reinforces the MK Party’s support for stricter enforcement of immigration laws, while emphasising that such efforts must remain within the law and respect the rights of all people.
Source: The Citizen. (The Citizen)
