Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has stirred national debate with his candid remarks on migration, asserting that it is impossible to prevent Africans from other countries from entering South Africa, regardless of the security measures in place.Speaking at a public dialogue on African unity and regional integration in Johannesburg on Monday, Mbeki said migration within the continent was a natural and unstoppable process tied to Africa’s historical, social, and economic realities.
“There is no way we, as South Africans, can stop Africans from coming to South Africa. No way. I don’t care how many electrical fences we build; it is going to happen,” Mbeki said, drawing applause and mixed reactions from the audience.
The former president explained that South Africa’s geographical and economic position made it an inevitable destination for people seeking better opportunities. He argued that instead of attempting to close borders, the government should focus on developing sustainable policies that promote regional cooperation and address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and instability.
“We must deal with the reasons people leave their countries — unemployment, hunger, conflict, and lack of opportunity. Building fences and deporting people will not solve these problems,” Mbeki added.
"There is no way we as South African can stop Africans from coming to South Africa, no way, i don't care how many Eletrical fences we've built, it is going to Happen" ~ Thabo Mbeki.
Had Julius Malema and the EFF said all this, 🤐 pic.twitter.com/v1dNHqDEEE
— Msunu ka Johann Rupert (@ZizinjaAbelungu) October 28, 2025
Mbeki’s comments come amid heightened tensions over illegal immigration, with growing public concern about job competition, crime, and pressure on public services. Several political parties, including the Patriotic Alliance and ActionSA, have repeatedly called for stricter border control and mass deportations.
However, Mbeki cautioned that xenophobia and exclusionary policies undermine the spirit of Pan-Africanism, which inspired South Africa’s own liberation struggle. He reminded South Africans that during apartheid, many African nations provided refuge and support to South African freedom fighters.
“We must never forget that our brothers and sisters across the continent stood with us when we needed them most. We cannot now turn against them,” he said.
Political analysts say Mbeki’s statement challenges the current discourse on migration and reaffirms his long-standing commitment to African unity and integration.
While some praised him for promoting compassion and realism, critics argued that his stance ignores the practical challenges posed by porous borders and limited resources.
Still, Mbeki remained firm in his conviction that migration is an enduring feature of human society — one that must be managed wisely, not resisted blindly.
