KZN Seeks Balanced Approach to Undocumented Migration

Ntuli said the Constitution places a duty on government to protect human rights while ensuring that laws are respected and enforced.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to addressing undocumented migration through a balanced approach that protects human dignity while enforcing the law. Speaking in the Provincial Legislature last week, Ntuli described migration as a complex issue affecting countries across the world. He noted that migration has played an important role in shaping societies, driving economic growth and encouraging cultural exchange throughout history. The challenge facing governments today, he said, is not migration itself but managing it in a way that maintains public confidence, upholds the rule of law and ensures that communities continue to benefit from development opportunities.

Ntuli acknowledged concerns raised by residents across the province regarding the impact of undocumented migration on public safety, local businesses, employment opportunities, service delivery and social cohesion. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between lawful migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and individuals residing in the country without the required documentation. According to the Premier, government has a responsibility to address public concerns with practical solutions while rejecting both discrimination and unlawful conduct.

Human Rights and Law Enforcement Must Work Together

Ntuli said the Constitution places a duty on government to protect human rights while ensuring that laws are respected and enforced. He argued that compassion and lawful governance should not be viewed as competing priorities. A responsible government, he said, must be capable of protecting vulnerable people while maintaining order and enforcing legal requirements.

The Premier warned against narratives that promote division or encourage hostility towards foreign nationals. At the same time, he emphasised that compliance with immigration laws remains an important part of maintaining public trust and effective governance. His comments come amid growing national discussions around migration management and concerns from communities seeking stronger enforcement of existing immigration regulations.

Government's position, Ntuli said, is that sustainable solutions must be grounded in facts, responsible leadership and respect for constitutional principles.

Province Plans New Round Table on Migration Challenges

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen migration governance, Ntuli highlighted the province's Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla Programme of Action. The initiative focuses on improving coordination between government institutions, supporting law enforcement operations, tackling criminal syndicates linked to unlawful activities and strengthening public confidence in the state's ability to enforce the law.

The Premier also announced that KwaZulu-Natal will host its Second Provincial Round Table on Undocumented Foreign Nationals later this month. The gathering is expected to bring together representatives from government departments, law enforcement agencies, traditional leadership structures, businesses, labour organisations, civil society groups, faith-based organisations, academics and community stakeholders.

The round table is expected to develop a comprehensive Programme of Action that will guide a coordinated provincial response to migration-related challenges.

Ntuli said no single institution can address the issue alone and called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

He urged all sectors of society to reject fear, division and scapegoating while working together to find practical and lasting solutions that strengthen both social cohesion and lawful governance across the province.