WAR ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Former DA Mayor Reveals What He Will Do to Illegal Immigrants in Joburg

Former Midvaal mayor and current uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Johannesburg mayoral candidate Bongani Baloyi has pledged to take a tougher approach to illegal immigration if his party takes control of the City of Johannesburg.

Baloyi, who is campaigning ahead of South Africa’s 2026 local government elections, has made immigration enforcement part of his broader plans for the city. He has called for stronger cooperation between the municipality and national government institutions responsible for immigration and law enforcement.

Speaking during his campaign, Baloyi said Johannesburg needed to address the challenges associated with illegal immigration while recognising that immigration is primarily a national government responsibility. He indicated that the city should work closely with the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority and the South African Police Service where national powers are required.

Baloyi’s political journey has attracted attention as he seeks to lead Johannesburg under the MK Party banner. He previously served as mayor of Midvaal while representing the Democratic Alliance before later moving through other political formations. He subsequently became associated with Xiluva before joining the MK Party, which selected him as its Johannesburg mayoral candidate. (EWN)

Immigration is only one part of Baloyi’s campaign message. He has also focused heavily on improving Johannesburg’s administration, infrastructure, financial management and service delivery. He argues that political instability has repeatedly disrupted the city’s ability to maintain consistent administration and deliver services to residents.

The mayoral candidate has proposed stronger municipal systems that would continue functioning regardless of changes in political leadership. He has also spoken about improving services in townships and informal settlements, expanding economic opportunities and addressing deteriorating infrastructure across the metropolitan municipality. (TimesLIVE)

On immigration specifically, Baloyi has argued for a coordinated approach rather than treating the issue as something the municipality can resolve alone. His position comes amid increasingly heated national debates about undocumented immigration, employment, crime, access to public services and border management.

The MK Party has previously expressed support for stronger action against undocumented immigration, while other political organisations and civic groups have also made immigration enforcement a major campaign issue. At the same time, critics have warned that immigration debates can fuel xenophobia and unfairly blame foreign nationals for broader social and economic problems. (Mail & Guardian)

Baloyi’s comments therefore place immigration alongside service delivery and economic development as issues likely to feature prominently in Johannesburg’s election campaign.

With local government elections approaching, voters will ultimately decide whether Baloyi and the MK Party’s proposals receive sufficient support to influence the future administration of South Africa’s economic hub.

For now, Baloyi is presenting himself as a candidate who wants to combine stricter enforcement with a broader overhaul of Johannesburg’s municipal administration, while promising residents a city where political changes do not constantly disrupt essential services.

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