Ramaphosa to Address Nation on

Migration Crisis as Tensions Escalate

Pretoria - President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on South Africa’s approach to managing migration, as government faces mounting pressure over illegal immigration and related unrest.

The announcement comes after Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni warned that “no one will be allowed to shut down the country” amid growing tensions around undocumented foreigners. The statement follows calls from various groups and political parties for tougher action on border control and immigration enforcement.

Government’s Stance Amid Public Pressure

With local government elections set for 4 November 2026, migration has become a central political issue. Cabinet has already urged eligible South Africans to register to vote, stressing citizen participation in shaping community futures.

Business groups including BUSA and BLSA have called for leadership intervention amid immigration unrest. The issue is also shaping campaign strategies, with parties sharpening focus on undocumented foreigners ahead of November.

What the President’s Address is Expected to Cover

While details of Ramaphosa’s migration action plan have not been released, the address is expected to outline government’s strategy for:

1. Border management and enforcement - Balancing security with human rights obligations
2. Economic impact - Addressing claims that undocumented migration strains jobs and services
3. Community stability - Responding to tensions that have led to threats of shutdowns and protests

Public Reaction: Parties Respond Ahead of Speech

Political parties are already positioning themselves ahead of Ramaphosa’s address:

ActionSA

The party says it would “embrace” a mayoral candidacy focused on undocumented foreigners in eThekwini, as it sharpens its campaign message for the 2026 local elections.

EFF & MK Party

The Progressive Caucus, which includes the EFF and MK Party, has been vocal on governance failures linked to migration and service delivery. The parties argue that government’s current approach has failed communities.

DA

The Democratic Alliance has linked migration issues to municipal governance failures. In KZN, the DA accused the Cogta MEC of political branding on state water tankers amid service delivery protests. The party maintains it is “not interested in the politics of chaos and personality cults”.

Why It Matters Now

The timing is critical. With the 2026 local elections approaching, service delivery failures and perceptions around immigration are influencing voter sentiment. Analysts warn that fallout from governance issues, including R6.4bn irregular expenditure in eThekwini, could weaken parties before November.

Ramaphosa’s address will be the first direct presidential intervention on the matter as political parties position themselves for the polls.