POLOKWANE – The ANC in Limpopo has cautioned government against turning repatriation centres into permanent facilities, warning that they would place additional strain on already struggling municipalities.

Addressing the media at the party’s provincial headquarters, Frans Mohlala House, last Wednesday, ANC provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe called for the speedy processing and repatriation of thousands of foreign nationals accommodated at various centres across the province, including Mankweng.

Madadzhe also expressed concern over the national government’s decision to relocate foreign nationals from eThekwini to Musina, saying Limpopo was only consulted after the decision had already been made.

“We were consulted, but only after the decision was already taken. If you live here in Limpopo, you would know that the Vhembe district and the province are already struggling with service delivery. We raised concerns about whether these processes would place further pressure on our ailing municipalities,” he said.

Madadzhe said government had assured the province that the relocated migrants would be accompanied by the necessary resources to support their stay.

ANC reiterates support for immigration law enforcement

The ANC reiterated its support for the enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws.

He said undocumented migrants should be deported, while those entering the country must do so through legal channels and recognised ports of entry.

“There is no country in the world where people simply walk in and start businesses without being documented. Our position is that all entrants must follow proper legal processes through recognised ports of entry,” he said.

Porous borders remain a major contributor

Madadzhe said porous borders remain a major contributor to illegal migration.

“You have borders that are unfenced, where people can simply cross through streams or rivers and enter South Africa undetected. These are the challenges that national government is trying to address through the Border Management Authority, which requires significant resources, including technology such as drones,” he said.

He acknowledged efforts by the Border Management Authority, particularly during the festive season, but appealed to national government to allocate additional resources to enable the authority to operate more effectively.