Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has drawn a firm line on undocumented migrants, declaring they must either regularize their status or leave South Africa, as the province grapples with growing tensions around immigration.
Speaking at the ANC’s provincial lekgotla ahead of its elective conference, Lesufi criticized informal settlements dominated by undocumented foreigners, citing one known as “Marry Me” where he claimed over 65% of residents lack legal status.
“We cannot have areas in our own country where the majority are undocumented foreigners. This must end,” Lesufi said, emphasizing his stance was not contradictory to South Africa’s spirit of Ubuntu. “Our hospitality must not be abused. Document yourself or leave peacefully.”
The premier revealed he had escalated the matter to President Cyril Ramaphosa and relevant ministers, arguing no nation should tolerate unknown populations operating outside legal frameworks.
Lesufi’s comments follow recent unrest at Kalafong Hospital in Atteridgeville, where vigilantes blocked undocumented patients – including a pregnant Zimbabwean woman – from accessing care. The Gauteng Health Department condemned the actions but acknowledged rising community frustrations.
Deportations Spike to 5-Year High
Home Affairs data shows a dramatic escalation in deportations, with 46,898 undocumented migrants removed in 2024/25 – an 18% increase from the previous year and triple the figures from 2020-2022. South Africa’s deportation rate now surpasses combined totals from France and Germany.
5-Year Deportation Trends:
2020/21: 14,859
2021/22: 20,093
2022/23: 22,560
2023/24: 39,672
2024/25: 46,898
The hardening stance comes as immigration emerges as a hot-button issue ahead of elections, with communities increasingly taking matters into their own hands amid perceptions of government inaction. Analysts warn the situation requires nuanced solutions balancing border control with humanitarian obligations under South Africa’s Constitution.