As conversations around illegal immigration become more intense across the country, Gauteng Premier and ANC provincial co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi has made it clear—South Africa needs to tighten up.
His recent address during the ANC’s two-day strategy meeting in Johannesburg struck a bold tone, leaving no room for doubt about where he stands.
Lesufi Demands Action: Get Documented or Leave Peacefully
Speaking to party members, Lesufi didn’t mince words.
He said undocumented immigrants must either legalise their status or leave South Africa “in peace.”
His message was direct: the current situation isn’t sustainable, and the government must now act firmly.
“We can’t keep quiet anymore,” Lesufi said, referring to informal settlements across Gauteng where he claims undocumented foreign nationals make up the majority.
“We have places where over 65% of the residents are undocumented foreigners—this cannot continue in our own country.”
He also stressed that this stance isn’t about xenophobia.
“Everyone knows we are people of Ubuntu,” Lesufi said, “but that spirit should not be abused.”
Letter to Ramaphosa: Lesufi Takes the Fight to the Top
To show he means business, Lesufi revealed that he’s already written to President Cyril Ramaphosa and key cabinet ministers about the issue.
His concern? That South Africa is hosting people it knows nothing about—their origins, activities, or even where they live.
“There’s no country that would allow such a situation to carry on unchecked,” he argued. “The honeymoon is over.”
Kalafong Hospital Controversy Adds Fuel to the Fire
Lesufi’s comments come in the same week that tensions flared up outside Kalafong Hospital in Atteridgeville, Tshwane.
Reports and viral videos showed community members blocking access to the facility, allegedly demanding that patients show identification before being let in.
One disturbing clip showed a heavily pregnant woman from Zimbabwe being turned away for not having identity documents.
The Gauteng Department of Health condemned the actions, saying access to healthcare shouldn’t be hindered this way—regardless of one’s documentation status.
Home Affairs Steps Up Deportations in Record Numbers
While Lesufi calls for tougher policies, the Department of Home Affairs has already been hard at work.
The department reported nearly 47,000 deportations in the 2024/2025 financial year, marking a record high in at least five years.
That’s an 18% jump from the previous year’s total of around 39,600.
To put things into perspective, South Africa’s recent deportation figures are more than double those of France and Germany combined.
Here’s a quick look at the yearly breakdown:
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2020/2021: 14,859
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2021/2022: 20,093
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2022/2023: 22,560
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2023/2024: 39,672
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2024/2025: 46,898
The Debate Continues: Is South Africa Being Too Harsh or Just Practical?
Lesufi’s tough message has already sparked heated discussion.
Some believe it’s high time the government cracked down on undocumented immigration.
Others worry the rhetoric could inflame tensions and lead to increased xenophobia.
Still, Lesufi insists this isn’t about hate—it’s about control, safety, and sovereignty.
“You document yourself,” he said, “or you leave us in peace.”
What Do You Think of Lesufi’s Firm Approach?
Are you in agreement with Panyaza Lesufi’s call for stricter action on undocumented immigrants? Or do you think the approach risks dividing communities further?
