Home Affairs committee urges swift rollout of Ramaphosa’s border plan

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has called for the rapid implementation of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directives to tackle illegal migration, saying government departments must act swiftly to ensure the measures announced by the President are carried out.

Committee backs presidential measures after national address

The committee’s appeal followed Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Sunday, in which he outlined a package of measures aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement, securing borders, rooting out corruption and tightening migration regulation. Committee chair Mosa Chabane said the committee supports the President’s focused approach to tackling illegal immigration.

Urgency and enforcement

Chabane told the committee that departments should move quickly because many of the initiatives had already appeared in departmental annual performance plans. He warned of consequences if the measures were not implemented.

“We welcome the clear and comprehensive directives issued by the President. We urge government departments to urgently implement all the plans outlined, particularly as many of these initiatives have already featured in the annual performance plans of various departments. ”A failure to implement these measures will undermine the authority of the Head of State,” Chabane said.

Corruption, law enforcement and regional engagement

Chabane emphasised the importance of reaffirming the state’s authority to enforce the law amid heightened anti-foreigner sentiment, and he called on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to ensure immigration laws are effectively enforced.

He also linked the fight against corruption to stronger implementation of immigration laws, saying:

“Corruption is a cancer that erodes both the spirit and the intent of our immigration laws. Eradicating corruption will help ensure that our laws are implemented effectively and are not undermined,” he said.

Chabane expressed support for the President’s intention to engage other African countries on migration-related matters, noting the connection between illegal migration and broader socio-economic and developmental challenges across the region.

Resources, technology and infrastructure

The committee chair backed commitments to increase labour inspectors in the Department of Employment and Labour and to increase immigration officers in the Department of Home Affairs, describing these interventions as critical for compliance with labour laws and enforcement of immigration regulations.

Chabane also supported the adoption of technology and increased investment in drones to strengthen border security and prevent illegal crossings. He noted that ongoing funding challenges facing the Border Management Authority continue to hamper the full implementation of its mandate.

Finally, he highlighted a role for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in developing and maintaining border infrastructure, saying stronger infrastructure at ports of entry and vulnerable border areas is essential to preventing illegal crossings and strengthening border management capabilities.