Cape town: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mosa Chabane, has emphasized the urgent need for government departments to implement initiatives outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address illegal migration.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Chairperson expressed that the initiatives should be expedited as they are already part of the annual performance plans of various departments. Chabane highlighted the importance of these measures, noting that failure to implement them would undermine the authority of the Head of State. The Chairperson stressed the necessity of enforcing the law, particularly amidst rising anti-foreigner sentiment in the country.
Chabane called on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to uphold immigration laws, pointing out the significance of combating corruption, which has hindered the implementation of immigration laws. He described corruption as a detrimental force that weakens the spirit and intent of these laws, emphasizing that eradicating it is vital for effective enforcement.
The Chairperson also supported the President's plan to engage with other African countries on migration-related issues, indicating that illegal migration is interconnected with broader socio-economic and developmental challenges in the region and continent. A coordinated, government-wide response is deemed critical for enforcing existing immigration laws.
Additionally, Chabane mentioned the importance of increasing labour inspectors within the Department of Employment and Labour and immigration officers within the Department of Home Affairs. This move is seen as essential for ensuring employer compliance with labour legislation and the effective enforcement of immigration laws and regulations.