Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba has called on South Africans to assist government efforts in preventing illegal immigration, highlighting the role locals play in facilitating undocumented entries. She emphasized the public health risks involved, such as lack of screening for diseases like yellow fever.
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba addressed the ongoing issue of illegal immigration during a recent statement, stressing that collaboration between citizens and authorities is crucial to stem the influx of undocumented foreign nationals. She pointed out that South Africans often enable these illegal crossings, which undermine national security and health protocols.
Ramathuba noted specific incidents to illustrate her concerns. On December 26 of the previous year, authorities arrested over 1,000 undocumented migrants from Zimbabwe attempting to enter Limpopo illegally. More recently, last week, Border Management Authority (BMA) officers apprehended additional illegal immigrants crossing from Zimbabwe near the Beitbridge border. In that operation, officials traced two individuals who were aiding the movement of undocumented nationals through the bush area between the border fence and the port of entry.
The premier warned of the health dangers, as these migrants typically bypass screenings for illnesses such as yellow fever. In a direct appeal to the public, Ramathuba said: “These are South Africans, by the way, who are busy transporting these people illegally into the country. Hence I’m saying, it starts with each and every South African to say, if we can pause and stop blaming the next person and ask ourselves what is my role as a responsible citizen who is patriotic? Do I have an illegal or undocumented immigrant working as my domestic worker in my house? Am I having a gardener who is not documented?”
Her remarks underscore the need for patriotic action at the community level to support border control measures and protect public well-being.
