Political analyst Mcebisi Ndletyana has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding undocumented immigrants in South Africa, arguing that much of the controversy could be mitigated if state institutions functioned more effectively.
In a recent commentary, Ndletyana said the persistent uproar over undocumented migrants is largely a symptom of systemic governance failures, rather than solely an immigration issue. “If our state institutions were efficient, transparent, and accountable, the noise around undocumented immigrants would not be this loud,” he stated.
Ndletyana highlighted that shortcomings in service delivery, border management, and law enforcement exacerbate public frustrations, often leading to scapegoating of foreign nationals. He stressed that weak institutional capacity creates gaps exploited by criminals and allows for uneven application of immigration policies.
“The challenge is not just about who is inside the country without papers, but how well the government manages its borders, social services, and security,” Ndletyana explained. “Fix those foundations, and many tensions around immigration will naturally ease.”
His comments come amid growing tensions in several communities where undocumented migrants have become focal points of social and economic grievances.
Ndletyana called for a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening institutions, improving governance, and promoting social cohesion — rather than relying on divisive rhetoric that targets vulnerable populations.
“Building trust in public institutions is critical,” he concluded. “Only then can we move beyond noisy debates to practical, humane solutions that benefit all residents.”
The analyst’s perspective adds to a growing discourse emphasizing good governance as central to addressing South Africa’s complex social challenges.
