Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
25 October 2024 | 13:03 CAT
3-minute read

Deep-rooted political tensions continue to surface in South Africa, challenging the unity once envisioned by the formation of the Government of National Unity coalition. Issues surrounding immigration policy and the growing cost of deportation have brought the matter to the forefront, with calls for open borders clashing with the current administration’s approach to border control.

Among the most vocal critics, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) are pressing Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber over the department’s spending on deportations.

From April to August 2024, Home Affairs reportedly spent over R50 million deporting nearly 20,000 individuals. Questions have arisen regarding whether this financial priority detracts from addressing deeper issues within the immigration system.

Critics argue that delayed processing times, rather than migrants themselves, may be to blame for the challenges undocumented individuals face.

Research Director Angelo Fick, speaking on this week’s ASRI report, urged a closer examination of the circumstances surrounding these deportations, noting that details such as points of entry and the role of corporations in facilitating movement into South Africa remain obscured. “The question is under what circumstances were these people deported, and why aren’t corporations that bring people here also held accountable?” Fick commented.

He further questioned whether the R52 million allocated toward deportations could be better spent on reducing the significant backlog within Home Affairs, thus supporting migrants who apply for documentation legally.

While Minister Schreiber insists this expenditure is necessary to tighten border control, the ANC-led GNU’s official stance appears misaligned with his statements. This discrepancy has sparked calls for greater coherence among coalition leaders. According to Fick, public disagreements among cabinet members only deepen perceptions of policy inconsistency, potentially undermining government credibility on both local and international fronts.

Meanwhile, the Gauteng province is grappling with a crisis of its own, as concerns over public safety and business regulation gain momentum. Following several incidents of food poisoning linked to spaza shops, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called for stricter regulation. However, Fick criticised the Premier’s response, labelling it “exploitative” and arguing that he has the power to implement these policies, yet has taken no concrete action.

Community frustrations were heightened when, amidst an already tense climate, a businessman was murdered, further sparking calls for justice and accountability. While some have attempted to link this tragedy to broader immigration issues, Fick urged politicians to avoid stoking xenophobic sentiments. “The problem is not other people; it’s government officials who don’t do their jobs,” Fick said, warning that misplaced blame only serves to distract from core governance failures.

Johannesburg’s governance challenges extend beyond provincial matters. Recently, the city’s former Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, now Finance MMC, faces fraud charges tied to an insurance scheme. His continued role in municipal finance has drawn sharp criticism, with council members like Dr Mpho Phalatse questioning the coalition’s commitment to accountability.

Observers have noted that the ANC-led coalition’s deployment of leaders with unresolved allegations to sensitive positions such as finance further erodes public trust.

“If you’re accused of fraud, you should certainly not be deployed into finance,” remarked Fick, underscoring the importance of integrity for those overseeing public resources.

Listen to the ASRI Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.