Ntuli: KZN Immigration Crackdown Is Not Xenophobia

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has insisted that the province’s intensified efforts to address undocumented immigration should not be interpreted as xenophobia, but rather as a lawful campaign aimed at protecting public safety, economic stability, and constitutional order.

Ntuli made the remarks during a meeting held in Durban on Friday, where he joined KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and members of civic organisations, including the March and March Movement and the Nsizwa Nobunsizwa Foundation, to discuss growing concerns around undocumented foreign nationals in the province.

The high-level engagement focused on finding practical solutions to immigration-related challenges amid rising tensions in some communities, where sporadic protests have erupted over the presence of undocumented migrants. Some demonstrations have reportedly turned violent, raising concerns about public safety and social cohesion.

Addressing attendees, Ntuli stressed that the provincial government’s position is not driven by hostility toward foreign nationals, but by the need to uphold the law and ensure proper immigration controls are enforced.

“This campaign is not directed against foreign nationals, not rooted in xenophobia, and it is not a campaign of hatred,” Ntuli said. “It is a campaign in defence of the rule of law, public safety, economic fairness, and the integrity of our constitutional democracy.”

The premier acknowledged that undocumented migration remains a sensitive issue, particularly in communities facing high unemployment, pressure on public services, and increasing competition for economic opportunities. He said the government must strike a balance between respecting human rights and ensuring immigration laws are not ignored.

Ntuli also confirmed that he is personally leading a broader provincial initiative aimed at addressing immigration challenges, working alongside law enforcement agencies, civic groups, and national government departments to strengthen border management and improve enforcement mechanisms.

KwaZulu-Natal has in recent months seen increasing calls from community groups for stronger action against illegal immigration, with some residents blaming undocumented migrants for contributing to crime, overcrowding in healthcare facilities, and pressure on local resources. However, human rights organisations have warned against rhetoric or actions that could fuel discrimination or violence against foreign nationals.

Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi echoed the need for a coordinated and lawful response, emphasizing that authorities would continue to act against criminal activity regardless of nationality, while also protecting vulnerable communities from unlawful attacks.

The discussions come as South Africa continues to grapple with broader debates around immigration policy, border security, and the role of undocumented migrants in the country’s economy. National government has faced increasing pressure to tighten immigration controls while ensuring compliance with constitutional protections and international human rights obligations.

Political analysts say Ntuli’s comments reflect a growing effort by provincial leaders to separate legitimate concerns over immigration management from xenophobic sentiment, particularly as tensions over jobs and public resources intensify in several parts of the country.

For now, the KwaZulu-Natal government says its priority remains maintaining peace, enforcing immigration laws, and ensuring that communities do not take matters into their own hands.

As authorities continue engaging with civic organisations and affected communities, officials hope dialogue and coordinated action will prevent further unrest while reinforcing the message that law enforcement—not prejudice—must guide the province’s response to undocumented migration.