Mhlengi Shangase | Published 1 hour ago
Organised labour has criticised the government for failing to address illegal immigration and related socio-economic challenges in a timely and effective manner.
Addressing a press conference at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), the country's major labour federations — Cosatu, Fedusa, Saftu and Nactu — stressed that immigrants should not be blamed for South Africa's deep-rooted economic and social problems.
The unions acknowledged growing public concern over the influx of foreign nationals into the country but argued that unemployment, poverty and economic stagnation were not caused by immigrants.
"Foreign nationals should not be made scapegoats for problems that government has failed to resolve. Dismissing foreign workers will not result in the opening of factories, improved municipal infrastructure, job creation or economic growth. We are concerned about marches and campaigns that appear to be politically motivated," the federations said in a joint statement.
The labour bodies also rejected claims that South Africans are inherently hostile towards foreign nationals.
"Efforts to create divisions among communities and workers must be rejected. We do not support individuals taking the law into their own hands when there are legally mandated institutions responsible for enforcing immigration laws. No one has the right to stop people in the street and demand documentation. That responsibility lies with law enforcement agencies. Likewise, no one has the right to shut down businesses or prevent people from entering establishments."
The unions warned that South Africa had witnessed similar tensions before, referring to the xenophobic violence of 2008 that targeted foreign nationals.
"We do not support the employment of undocumented immigrants. Some employers hire undocumented workers in order to exploit them by paying extremely low wages. These employers create divisions among workers and should be investigated and face strict consequences for violating labour and immigration laws."
The federations further argued that public frustration is fuelled by corruption within the Department of Home Affairs, porous borders and weak enforcement of existing laws.
"We support efforts to strengthen border security and repatriate those who have entered the country unlawfully. Government must also address unemployment, poverty and economic decline. African countries should likewise improve economic conditions and governance so that their citizens are not forced to migrate in search of opportunities."
The unions called on labour movements across the African continent to intensify efforts to combat corruption and poor governance, which they said are among the key drivers of migration.
They also issued a warning to workers considering participating in a planned stay-away on June 30.
"We want to caution workers who intend staying away from work on June 30 that the action is not protected in terms of labour law. Employees who do not report for duty may face disciplinary action from their employers. We therefore urge workers to report for work as normal."
June 30 has become a focal point in the country's heated debate around immigration, with some groups calling for nationwide action against illegal immigration and demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
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