"Foreign nationals must obtain documents or face consequences": Panyaza Lesufi's firm statement to immigrants
Firing a Warning to Undocumented Immigrants: Panyaza Lesufi Makes His Stance Clear
Panyaza Lesufi, the ANC co-convenor in Gauteng, had some stern words for undocumented foreign nationals during a recent gathering. At the party's lekgotla in Johannesburg, Lesufi called on these individuals to either legalize their stay or depart South Africa peacefully. His comments came in response to the dominance of informal settlements by undocumented immigrants.
"It's not just Marry Me [ informal settlement]," he said, "there are many others like it, and we can't keep ignoring this issue, comrades. We must be firm now. We can't have informal settlements where over 65% of its citizens are undocumented foreign citizens, in our own country. It's time for change," Lesufi stated.
He had already penned a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa and relevant ministers addressing the issue of undocumented foreigners. Lesufi clarified that this call to action was not about characterization, but about ensuring security and order within South Africa's borders.
"Our Ubuntu cannot be abused," he added. “You document yourself or you leave us in peace."
In related news, Panyaza Lesufi's stance comes just days after community members were condemned for obstructing patients at Kalafong Tertiary Provincial Hospital in Atteridgeville, Tshwane. These community members reportedly demanded identity documentation from patients before granting them entry. A heavily pregnant Zimbabwean woman was among those turned away.
Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed an increase in the number of illegal immigrants deported from South Africa. The figure for the 2024/2025 financial year ended on 31 March 2025 stands at 46,898, a 18% rise compared to the previous year's 39,672. This makes South Africa's recent activity in this area the highest in the last five years and triple the number conducted in recent years.
Internationally, discussions have arisen about the resettlement of white South Africans as refugees due to alleged racial discrimination. The US government, for instance, has been interviewing and processing applications from such individuals. However, South Africa strongly opposes this classification and the US resettlement plan, asserting that it is politically motivated and undermines the country’s sovereignty and constitutional democracy.
"Lesufi's call for action towards undocumented foreigners in South Africa is rooted in policy and legislation, as he urges them to either legalize their stay or depart peacefully, citing the prevalence of informal settlements overrun by undocumented immigrants as a major concern. This call is part of the wider political discourse, as the Department of Home Affairs reports a significant increase in the number of illegal immigrants deported from the country."
"In the realm of general news, the issue of documentation has also surfaced in hospitals, as community members in Atteridgeville, Tshwane, have been demanding identity documentation from patients, potentially impeding healthcare access for foreign nationals, such as a heavily pregnant Zimbabwean woman who was turned away."
