MEDIA RELEASE
2026-06-29
SUMMARY: The Labour Party of South Africa (Labour Party) says the growing public concern over illegal immigration is the result of decades of government failure. The Party argues that government’s rapid allocation of R600 million ahead of the 30 June 2026 planned mobilisation demonstrates that resources exist but have not been used to address the root causes of the crisis.
The Labour Party of South Africa notes the growing public concern ahead of the planned mobilisation tomorrow, 30 June 2026, regarding illegal immigration. While every South African has the constitutional right to peaceful protest, government must ensure that public order is maintained and that the law is applied fairly.
The Labour Party previously released a statement on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address on illegal immigration, arguing that South Africans are tired of promises, strategies and commitments without visible implementation.
Days before the planned mobilisation facilitated by March and March tomorrow, 30 June 2026, we see the concerted efforts by the instruction of the President calling the security cluster with a secured R600 million ahead of the planned mobilisation.
“The issue of illegal immigration did not emerge overnight, let alone when the recent mobilisation around illegal immigration gained traction”, said interim President of the Labour Party Joseph Mathunjwa. “This is decades of failed leadership being exposed”, added Mathunjwa.
The issue of illegal immigration is real and cannot be ignored. Years of weak border management, corruption within Home Affairs, poor immigration enforcement and failed governance have undermined national security, strained public services, increased pressure on employment opportunities and fuelled frustration within communities.
The Labour Party rejects attempts to dismiss these concerns as mere politics or xenophobia. “South Africans have every right to demand that their borders are protected, immigration laws are enforced, and public resources are managed in the interests of citizens”, stated Mathunjwa.
The real failure lies with the state. Illegal immigration is not caused by undocumented migrants alone, but by successive governments that failed to secure our borders, allowed corruption to flourish within Home Affairs, and turned a blind eye to employers who exploit undocumented workers to suppress wages and undermine decent work.
Government must stop treating symptoms while ignoring the causes. It must prosecute corrupt officials, strengthen border security, clear immigration backlogs, and hold employers accountable for illegally employing undocumented workers.
“If over a short time, the President can secure R600 million ahead of the planned mobilisation, why could the same R600 million not be used to fix the borders”, asked Mathunjwa.
The Labour Party further warns against using immigration as a distraction from the deeper crises facing South Africa: unemployment, crime, corruption, failing municipalities and economic decline. “These challenges are the product and proof of failed leadership and a political system that protects politicians from accountability”, noted Mathunjwa.
South Africa needs decisive leadership that places the interests of its people first. The Labour Party remains committed to restoring accountable government, securing our borders, rebuilding public institutions, creating jobs for South Africans and ensuring that the law is applied equally to all.
The Labour Party calls for the deployment of all law enforcement to all communities across the country to check who is illegally in the country, rather than threatening South Africans who are mobilising to defend their country.
“These so-called leaders and globalists are grandstanding while they have ‘forgotten’ who put them in power. South Africans, we are on our own!”, said Mathunjwa. “We, as the Labour Party, are not born out of any political party. It is time to reclaim our sovereignty and dignity by resetting the politics of South Africa, this government has overstayed!”, declared Mathunjwa.
The Labour Party maintains its call for constitutional reform. “The constitution must protect and prioritise its people. Currently, it seems that South Africans are disadvantaged by the very same constitution that seems to offer more rights and protection to foreigners”, argued Mathunjwa.
“A sovereign nation must control its borders. A responsible government must enforce its laws. And a true democratic state must always put its people first”, concluded Mathunjwa.
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