Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba says undocumented immigrants must comply with South Africa’s laws, but has warned that protesters targeting people based on their skin colour or language will not be tolerated in the province.
Her remarks come after she faced criticism over comments about illegal immigration in the province.
Speaking at an anti-illegal immigration march on Friday, July 10, Ramathuba reportedly declared that “outsiders” were not welcome in Limpopo.
Although she did not mention the March and March movement by name, Ramathuba made it clear that the province would manage its own affairs without external interference.
Addressing the controversy surrounding a viral video of her speech, Ramathuba clarified her remarks and expressed concern that some anti-migrant protesters were targeting people based on their appearance.
“(It should) be as simple as saying everyone who is undocumented cannot be allowed to be in South Africa. All undocumented immigrants.
“Definitely, we fully support the principle that everyone in the country, whether in Limpopo or anywhere else, must follow the laws of South Africa. You have to be documented,” she said in an interview with the public broadcaster.
However, Ramathuba said reports had emerged of people being singled out because of their skin complexion or the language they speak.
“We have noted that during these March and March protests, in some instances people are being targeted based on their skin complexion and their language. The majority of those people, unfortunately, originate from Limpopo.
“Because if you are Venda-speaking or Pedi-speaking and you are dark-skinned, and you are asked to speak in certain languages but cannot pronounce the words correctly, I have received many reports that those individuals are being targeted.”
She said such behaviour would not be tolerated in Limpopo.
“We’re also saying you can’t be moving from one household to another, removing people based on their skin complexion or the language they speak.”
Ramathuba said her government had consistently raised concerns about undocumented immigrants long before the issue gained widespread public attention.
“We were among those people when it was not fashionable. We’ve always raised these issues of undocumented immigrants, whether in our hospitals or in employment sectors.
“The national government responded. The president (Cyril Ramaphosa) appointed the IMC (Inter-Ministerial Committee), and we are seeing work being done. There has been progress in strengthening the Border Management Authority. Police are working with us as the provincial government, raids are being conducted where necessary, and drug lords are being arrested.”
She reiterated that she would not allow South African citizens to be profiled because of their appearance or language.
“We welcome all those who made it possible for us to be where we are today. But we cannot allow a situation where, because I am a Limpopo-born citizen and dark-skinned, I cannot be allowed to visit any province.
“That we cannot allow,” Ramathuba said.
Her comments come as anti-illegal immigration marches continue to gain momentum across the country, with protesters demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa.
The March and March movement has vowed to intensify its nationwide Thursday protests until its demands are met.
The organisation is calling for stricter disciplinary action against corrupt Home Affairs officials, increased funding for border management operations, tougher enforcement of immigration laws, and measures to prevent abuse of the public healthcare system.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News
