Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for the immediate deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
Hlabisa said while the IFP supports migration for people with scarce skills, it wanted the government to deport all those who were in the country illegally.
He made the remarks on Saturday during the IFP’s 50th anniversary celebration at Jabulani Amphitheatre in Soweto, Gauteng.
“As the IFP, we remain true to the issue of illegal migration. We will remain true to the commitment we made to you. Even now, in the GNU, the IFP is against undocumented immigrants from foreign countries who lack the scarce skills that we need and must return to their countries,” Hlabisa told a cheering crowd.
Hlabisa said the IFP remained “undiluted” on the issue of undocumented immigrants, arguing that illegal migration strained South Africa’s health system and other public services.
“Our people arrive at hospitals and find medicines have run out because they are taken by undocumented immigrants from other countries,” he said.
“The IFP remains within the GNU, not serving any political party but representing the people of South Africa,” he added.
Hlabisa said that the party supports migration only for people with skills the country needs.
“Those people must be properly documented and known where they live. They must pay tax like all of us and comply with SARS like all of us,” he said.
He said most foreign nationals in South Africa did not possess specialised skills, and the IFP would work with government departments to repatriate those who were in the country unlawfully.
“The IFP will remain your strong voice because we know that the majority of the foreign nationals in South Africa do not possess specialised skills,” Hlabisa said.
“We will work with all government departments to return them to their respective countries so that the job opportunities occupied by unskilled foreign nationals can be available to South Africans.”
He said the IFP would not allow illegal migration to undermine South Africa’s sovereignty and security.
“We call on all government agencies to work together within the GNU, using all lawful means to repatriate those who are here unlawfully and to protect South Africa’s borders and communities.”
Hlabisa also called for job opportunities to prioritise South Africans.
“South Africans must come first when it comes to job opportunities and social services. The IFP believes at least 80% of jobs in all companies must be reserved, reinforced, and preserved for South Africans,” he said.
“Our country’s future depends on the opportunities we create for our youth, our women, and our small enterprise owners. Only when South Africans prosper can our nation prosper.”
He added that township spaza shops should be run by South Africans rather than foreign nationals.
The IFP is not the only party opposing undocumented immigration.
Operation Dudula, ActionSA and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) among others, have also been vocal, calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi recently announced plans to demolish illegal informal settlements, particularly those occupied by undocumented foreign nationals.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg following a Gauteng Executive Council meeting, Lesufi said more than 400 new informal settlements had recently emerged and would be demolished at 2a.m, though he did not specify a date.
Lesufi, an ANC member and Gauteng co-convener, has argued that undocumented foreign nationals should not have access to public services.
Independent political analyst Goodenough Mashego criticised Lesufi, accusing political parties of using the demolition of informal settlements to gain support ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
“Lesufi sees that Operation Dudula is very active in Gauteng, and they could seriously impact the elections,” Mashego previously told News.
“They are on the ground, speaking directly to people who are frustrated about illegal immigration.”
Operation Dudula, now a political party, has made headlines for blocking undocumented migrants from accessing clinics and schools, claiming they add pressure to overstretched public services.
Mashego warned that if Dudula contests the local elections, it could attract significant support, especially as other parties such as the PA push the same message.
He also accused Lesufi of using government resources to advance a similar agenda without using inflammatory language.
“But the ANC does not want to be seen using harsh anti-immigrant language, so they are using the organs of state to act instead,” Mashego said.
“But the law says you can’t evict people without giving them another place to stay. They might still go ahead if no one takes it to court.”
Politics
