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ANCYL President Tells Home Affairs Minister to “Pull Up His Socks” on Immigration and Corruption
A fiery message at Luthuli House
The ANC Youth League has turned up the pressure on Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, with its president Collen Malatji bluntly telling him to “pull up his socks” and fix what he described as deep-rooted corruption and unchecked illegal immigration in South Africa.
Malatji delivered the message during a media briefing at Luthuli House this week, where the Youth League launched its historic discussion documents ahead of its 2nd National General Council. The briefing also touched on challenges facing young South Africans, including unemployment, crime, gender-based violence, food security, and the regulation of spaza shops.
“The discussion documents we are launching today are designed to provoke thought and inspire solutions on the economy, education, social transformation, and on the fight for a truly equal society,” Malatji said, adding that immigration and border management would be central to these debates.
“Fix corruption and control borders”
Malatji accused the Department of Home Affairs of inefficiency and widespread corruption, saying that South Africa could not continue allowing undocumented immigrants to strain healthcare, education, and the job market.
He emphasised that solidarity with oppressed people globally must not come at the expense of South Africa’s stability. “We are clear: only documented immigrants must be permitted in South Africa. Uncontrolled and illegal immigration places an unsustainable burden on our communities,” he said.
Calling on Schreiber to act decisively, Malatji added, “The department must fix inefficiencies and stop corruption in the issuing of documents and act firmly against those who undermine immigration laws.” He urged the minister to strengthen border security using modern systems and technologies to protect the country’s sovereignty.
Schreiber under scrutiny
Leon Schreiber, a Democratic Alliance member, became Minister of Home Affairs in July 2024 after the ANC lost its majority in the national elections. His appointment formed part of the coalition government deal under the Government of National Unity, which brought together the ANC, DA, FF Plus, Patriotic Alliance, IFP, PAC, Rise Mzansi, and Good Party.
Schreiber replaced Aaron Motsoaledi, with ANC’s Njabulo Nzuza appointed as his deputy. While some argue that the minister is still new in the role, Malatji dismissed the idea that he should be given more time. “When there’s a new minister, he takes responsibility for everything, the good and the bad,” Malatji said.
Germiston fire fuels allegations
The Youth League president’s remarks also drew on the recent fire at the Germiston Home Affairs building. The offices were allegedly torched by residents evicted from nearby flats, leaving more than 400 tenants displaced.
Although Home Affairs confirmed that no essential documents were destroyed and mobile units would replace the burnt services, Malatji suggested the incident had worsened corruption. He claimed IDs were now being issued informally outside the damaged building. “I am sure corruption is now on steroids because there are no longer systems,” he said.
Pressure on public services
Malatji argued that undocumented immigrants placed heavy strain on the health and education sectors, which are budgeted according to South Africa’s official population figures. He stressed that the state cannot turn away people in need of help but said the system was being stretched beyond its design.
“If you stay in South Africa and go to a public service, you know that illegal foreigners are heavily burdening the system,” he said. He also called for greater investment in schools and healthcare facilities, pointing to collapsing infrastructure and footage of children still crossing rivers and dams to reach school. “It cannot be that 31 years into democracy, young people still risk their lives to access education,” he said.
Youth League’s broader vision
Malatji’s remarks fit into the broader agenda of the ANC Youth League as it prepares for its National General Council. The organisation has positioned itself as a watchdog on issues affecting young people, with immigration framed as both an economic and social justice matter.
On social media, the speech has sparked debate. Some users have echoed Malatji’s frustrations about corruption and porous borders, while others have argued that the coalition government deserves more time to stabilise critical departments.
What is clear is that the Youth League is unwilling to let Home Affairs off the hook. With South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis deepening, Malatji’s message to Schreiber was unmistakable: act fast, or face the political fallout.
Also read: Youth Rising in Kimberley: ANCYL’s Bold Rescue Plan for South Africa’s Youth
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
