Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

26 March 2026

2-minute read

Thousands have taken to the streets in Durban, demanding action on illegal immigration, putting pressure on government to respond.

In an interview with Ml Habib Bobat, IFP eThekwini secretary Joshua Mazibuko explained that in the party’s manifesto, “there is nobody; brown, yellow, white or black who would come into the country illegally,” and that no professional job requiring peculiar skills would be done by an illegal foreign national. This is to ensure that the economy be put back into the hands of the local people. He blames the surge in unemployment in basic jobs being taken over by illegal immigrants.

“The notion that South Africa belongs to all the people living in it is nonsensical,” Mazibuko emphasized, adding that the constitution of South Africa needs to be reviewed. South African citizens themselves, especially since apartheid, must benefit from the country’s economy. However, he said that the IFP has no problem with foreigners who are equipped with skills coming into the country to do jobs that require such professionals.

With the country’s “porous borders,” balancing law enforcement with social cohesion is a tough issue. A further challenge is the misappropriation of funds with government institutions not empowering the local people. Mazibuko further stated that the peoples’ war of the ANC is another factor that crippled the economy. With his mother running a spaza shop when he was younger, he himself has had firsthand experience of how basic jobs are being taken over by illegal foreigners.

Mazibuko concluded that the IFP’s stance is not intended to fuel xenophobia in South Africa. He stated that the only way to stop foreign nationals from taking over local jobs is to strengthen the borders and root out all officials and politicians who perpetuate this situation by accepting bribe money.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Habib Bobat and Joshua Mazibuko here.