Midrand residents react after department of home affairs reverses asylum directive
Locals call for an orderly, humane immigration system as the reversal of the September 28 instruction leaves both South Africans and foreign nationals seeking clarity.
Midrand residents have shared their views following a day of widespread disruption across the country over a department of home affairs asylum directive.
The department of home affairs said immediate implementation overwhelmed offices within days, placed officials at risk, and created serious threats to public safety and order.
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Following the withdrawal of the chaotic September 28 instruction that had overwhelmed refugee reception offices and sparked public safety fears, two South Africans and one Mozambican national spoke about what the reversal means for their community.
“The Constitutional Court ruling was clear, but immediate implementation without additional capacity was always going to strain reception offices,” Luyanda Thabiso Mzobe shared his thoughts on the decision.
“What Midrand residents are feeling is the gap between a court order and operational reality. The department now needs a phased, resourced plan.”
“In Midrand, we live with South Africans and foreign nationals,” said Kamogelo Mokoena, a Midrand resident. “People don’t want chaos at government offices, they want order. If papers can’t be processed, it creates anxiety for everyone, both locals and migrants who are trying to do things the right way.”
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Carlos Muthisse, a Mozambique national, expressed his concerns, and said he sought clarity on how to comply with the regulations. “I am confused and afraid at the same time. One day they say come, the next day they say the system is closed. I have been in Midrand for three years, I want to follow the law, but now I don’t know what the law is,” he said.
While the withdrawal of the directive has brought temporary calm to overwhelmed offices, it has left both South Africans and foreign nationals in Midrand with more questions than answers.
What residents agree on is that South Africa needs an orderly, humane system that upholds the law without creating chaos on the ground.
Until a sustainable plan is announced, Midrand will remain caught between a court order and operational reality.
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