Citizens Forum calls for the immediate deportation of undocumented migrants in South Africa amid rising tensions and protests. In Picture: Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi signs a memorandum of demands from protesters.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
As tensions escalate over the contentious issue of undocumented migrants in South Africa, activist group Citizens Forum has added its voice to growing calls for the urgent deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
The appeal comes amid a groundswell of recent protests in major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, led by the March and March Movement, where protesters voiced frustrations over the rising number of undocumented migrants in the country and the perceived negative impact on local communities.
The unease among residents intensified following the reported disappearance of a Katlehong man, near Johannesburg, who allegedly fled from members of the Somali community. The incident has fuelled renewed calls for government intervention.
The Citizens Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem described the situation as a “ticking time bomb,” warning that public safety could be at risk without urgent action.
“If not addressed urgently, the security and safety of everybody in the country will be in danger,” he said.
Bloem urged President Cyril Ramaphosa not to underestimate the situation, cautioning that it could “explode” if left unresolved.
In recent demonstrations across various cities, protesters have demanded tighter border controls and the deportation of all undocumented foreign nationals.
“The people are merely asking the president to address this life-threatening matter and not wait until it is too late,” Bloem said.
Activists argued that growing public dissatisfaction reflects a deeper socioeconomic concern, warning that continued neglect could fuel unrest and violence.
A key grievance among protesters is the belief that South Africans are struggling to access jobs and economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Africa Diaspora Forum (ADF), an umbrella body representing migrant communities in South Africa, has distanced itself from migrants who have made reckless statements on social media suggesting they are in the country “to take over” or to provoke host communities.
In an interview with The Daily News, ADF spokesperson Bongani Mkhwanazi said such remarks are irresponsible, dangerous, and undermine the values of dignity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
“Migrants who came to South Africa were received into communities through acts of goodwill and humanity,” he said.
“That welcome carries an expectation of social cohesion, respect for local customs and ways of life, and strict adherence to the laws of the Republic.”
“Migrants are guests and residents in these communities — not conquerors, not disruptors, and not agents of division,” Mkhwanazi said.
He called on migrants to refrain from provocative, inciteful, and inflammatory behaviour, particularly on social media.
At the same time, he cautioned that this stance should not be misinterpreted as a justification for abuse or violence against migrants.
“All migrants in the Republic, legal or otherwise, must be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law, and only authorities mandated to inspect documentation may do so,” he said.
“Any suspicions about a migrant’s legal status should be reported to the relevant authorities, without individuals or communities taking the law into their own hands.”
He added that migrants also carry responsibilities, including maintaining proper documentation, complying with South African law, and respecting local communities.
Mkhwanazi also criticised movements that he said contributed to hostility through repeated attacks, insults, and collective blame directed at migrants, arguing that such actions fuelled fear and retaliation.
“This dangerous cycle of provocation and counter-provocation threatens social stability and must be halted,” he said.
The ADF called on authorities, community leaders, and opinion-shapers to act decisively but responsibly.
“Without confrontation, we state firmly that failure to address both incitement by migrants and hostility from segments of society risks causing this situation to spiral out of control,” he said.
DAILY NEWS