Kwazulu-natal: KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed the province's commitment to constitutional governance, public safety, social cohesion, and human dignity. "Strong societies are built not by choosing between compassion and lawfulness, but by embracing both," he stated during his address to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Thursday.
According to South African Government News Agency, Ntuli outlined the government's approach to managing the growing challenge of undocumented migration in the province. He placed this issue within a broader global context, noting that migration has historically contributed to human progress, economic development, and cultural exchange. However, he remarked that undocumented migration has become a significant governance challenge worldwide.
Ntuli emphasized that migration is not inherently problematic, but governments face the challenge of managing it in a way that protects human dignity, safeguards the rule of law, and ensures that development benefits everyone in the community. He acknowledged concerns from communities across KwaZulu-Natal regarding the impact of undocumented migration on public safety, local economies, labor markets, service delivery, and social cohesion.
The Premier stressed the need to distinguish between lawful migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and those residing without legal status. He called for a rejection of xenophobia and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Ntuli reiterated the dual obligations of South Africa's Constitution: protecting human rights and enforcing lawful governance. He announced plans for the province to convene its second Provincial Round Table on Undocumented Foreign Nationals in June, aimed at strengthening migration governance and addressing related challenges.
The upcoming round table will follow previous multi-stakeholder engagements involving government departments, law enforcement, traditional leaders, businesses, labor groups, civil society, faith-based organizations, academics, and community representatives. Ntuli described the gathering as a defining moment, calling for broad societal participation and a comprehensive provincial response.
He urged all societal sectors to help develop practical and sustainable solutions, advocating for unity against division, fear, scapegoating, complacency, and inaction. Ntuli emphasized the importance of partnerships in the province's migration management efforts, highlighting the forthcoming round table as a chance to forge a new compact on migration governance, public safety, and shared responsibility.
The Premier also highlighted the Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla Programme of Action, aimed at strengthening migration governance, supporting law enforcement, combating criminal syndicates, enhancing intergovernmental coordination, and restoring public confidence in the state's ability to uphold the law.
