The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has called on South Africans to collaborate with law enforcement to address illegal immigration, amid intensifying protests across cities. DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri emphasized avoiding vigilante actions. The South African Council of Churches (SACC) highlighted poverty and corruption as root causes.
Several marches against illegal immigration have occurred in various South African cities this month, with protesters demanding government action as tensions rise.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri stated: “Citizens are entitled to raise concerns about any issue and illegal immigration is a legitimate issue that we are all concerned about. Where we draw the line is where we do not differentiate between illegal immigration, and immigration in general and also where people decide that looking at you in the street, you are a foreigner, therefore come and account to me – tell me where you’re from and how you got into the country. We think that where people have suspicions of any type of illegality, we should be working with law enforcement quite closely, to address that situation as it manifests itself.”
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) expressed concern over the protests. SACC General Secretary Reverend Mzwandile Molo said: “At the center of our challenge as a nation is the issue of poverty. Too many of our people are living without hope... In managing the migration issue, corruption has almost made it impossible for normal migration and immigration to take place, without those in power exploiting it.”
