Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has urged the ANC to take firmer action on illegal immigration, warning that communities are increasingly demanding accountability from the governing party.
Opening the ANC’s sixteenth Greater Johannesburg regional conference on Wednesday, Lesufi said the organisation can no longer ignore the public frustration that continues to surface around unlawful entry into the country.
He stressed that residents are calling for stronger enforcement and believe that individuals who entered South Africa without proper documentation should not be allowed to remain.
Despite the heated national debate on immigration, Lesufi noted that many communities still support the ANC.
He said some opposition parties attempted to centre their election campaigns on immigration, yet voters continued to place their confidence in the governing party because they believe it is capable of managing the issue responsibly.
Lesufi criticised political parties that stage disruptive protests at clinics, schools or major events to draw attention to immigration concerns, arguing that such actions do little to resolve the underlying problems.
He added that undocumented individuals remain difficult to trace, creating additional pressure on law enforcement. Referring to the recent killing of two police officers, he said the incident highlighted the risks associated with unregulated movement across borders.
Turning to corruption, Lesufi said South Africans are demanding decisive action and warned that failure to confront the problem could have serious consequences for the ANC.
While the public recognises institutions such as the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Public Protector and intelligence structures, he said there is a growing perception that these bodies do not always operate consistently. Concerns that investigations may be influenced by political connections or family names continue to undermine trust.
Lesufi also acknowledged the deep anxiety caused by unemployment, particularly among young people. Many citizens, he said, believe that the ANC still has significant work to do in developing effective ideas and strategies to create sustainable jobs and improve economic prospects.
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