"Strong societies are built not by choosing between compassion and lawfulness, but by embracing both." The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, today delivered a comprehensive address in the Provincial Legislature outlining government's approach to the growing challenge of undocumented migration and reaffirming the province's commitment to constitutional governance, public safety, social cohesion, and human dignity.
Addressing the Legislature , Premier Ntuli situated the issue within a broader global context, noting that migration has historically been a force for human progress, economic development, and cultural exchange. However, he cautioned that undocumented migration has emerged as one of the most significant governance challenges facing societies across the world.
"Migration itself is not the problem," said Premier Ntuli. "The challenge before governments is how to manage migration in a manner that protects human dignity, safeguards the rule of law, strengthens public confidence, and ensures that development benefits all who live within our communities."
The Premier acknowledged growing concerns raised by communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal regarding the impact of undocumented migration on public safety, local economies, labour markets, service delivery, and social cohesion.
He stressed that government would continue to distinguish clearly between lawful migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and those residing in the country without legal status.
"Our responsibility is to confront facts with facts, challenges with solutions, and anxieties with leadership. We must reject xenophobia and discrimination in all their forms, but we must equally reject the notion that the rule of law is optional."
Premier Ntuli reiterated that the Constitution of South Africa demands both the protection of human rights and the enforcement of lawful governance.
"Human dignity and lawful governance are not opposing choices. They are mutually reinforcing obligations. A state that exercises compassion must also exercise responsibility."
The Premier further highlighted the province's ongoing Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla Programme of Action, launched to strengthen migration governance, support law enforcement efforts, combat criminal syndicates, enhance intergovernmental coordination, and restore public confidence in the ability of the state to uphold the law.
Importantly, Premier Ntuli announced that KwaZulu-Natal will convene its Second Provincial Round Table on Undocumented Foreign Nationals during the month of June.
The Round Table follows previous multi-stakeholder engagements involving government departments, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, organised business, labour formations, civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, academia, and community representatives.
The June gathering is expected to adopt a comprehensive Programme of Action and formalise an integrated provincial response to migration-related challenges.
Describing the upcoming engagement as a defining moment for the province, Premier Ntuli issued a direct call for broad societal participation.
"The reality before us is that no single institution can address this challenge alone. Government cannot succeed in isolation. Law enforcement agencies cannot succeed without community support. Municipalities cannot succeed without cooperation from national departments. This challenge demands a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response."
The Premier called on all sectors of society to participate actively in shaping practical and sustainable solutions.
"Let us reject the politics of division, fear, and scapegoating. Let us equally reject complacency and inaction. Instead, let us come together as responsible citizens and institutions committed to building a province that is secure, lawful, inclusive, and prosperous."
Premier Ntuli concluded by emphasising that the success of the province's migration management efforts will depend not on government declarations, but on the strength of partnerships forged across society.
"The forthcoming Round Table represents more than a policy discussion. It is an opportunity to forge a new provincial compact on migration governance, public safety, social cohesion, and shared responsibility. Together, we can demonstrate that KwaZulu-Natal has both the courage to confront difficult challenges and the wisdom to solve them through dialogue, partnership, and decisive action."
"That is the path we have chosen. That is the responsibility we carry. And that is the commitment we make to the people of KwaZulu-Natal."
ISSUED BY KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
