IFP vows to tackle illegal immigration at municipal level

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) mayoral candidate for the eThekwini Municipality Mkhuleko Hlengwa says municipalities do not deal directly with illegal immigration, but South Africa’s current immigration crisis requires the issue to be addressed at municipal level.

Hlengwa was speaking to party members during the IFP’s eThekwini manifesto launch at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Sunday, 4 October.

IFP VOWS TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

During his address, Hlengwa said the party plans to tackle illegal immigration to ensure that eThekwini works for Durban residents and South Africans.

He said the municipality would work with other government stakeholders to address illegal immigration, while also tackling crime, human trafficking and drugs.

“The deportation of people who are in the country illegally is not something that a municipality deals with, however, the crisis in South Africa forces municipalities to deal with it. By working hand in hand with other government stakeholders, we will make sure that whoever is here [in South Africa] is here legally. If they’re not legal, they should go.”

Hlengwa said the party’s approach would be aimed at protecting the local economy and young people from what he described as the impact of drugs and human trafficking.

“We will do this to preserve the eThekwini economy, protect the youth from drugs which are brought by foreign nationals, protect women and children from rape and human trafficking by foreign nationals. We will do this because South Africans should be put first and eThekwini residents should be put first,” Hlengwa said.

IMMIGRATION REMAINS CONTENTIOUS ISSUE

The IFP’s comments come as immigration remains a contentious issue in South Africa, with concerns about undocumented migrants and pressure on public services continuing to feature prominently in political and public debate.

Anti-illegal immigration groups, including March and March, have intensified their campaigns calling for undocumented migrants to be deported.

The Department of Home Affairs has also previously said that people should not be denied access to its services solely because they are in the country illegally, while immigration enforcement and deportation remain matters handled by national government.

Hlengwa said the IFP would work with relevant government departments to ensure that immigration laws are enforced while prioritising the interests of eThekwini residents.

WATCH | IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says undocumented foreign nationals must be deported without violence. Hlabisa was speaking at the Political Arena City of Joburg leaders debate. pic.twitter.com/c4k68dxI0I

— Sunday Times (@SundayTimesZA) October 1, 2026