ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli said South Africa’s economy attracts migrants from across the continent but condemned unlawful conduct against foreign nationals, while also criticising some foreign nationals’ behaviour in the country.
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ANC parliament Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli says the caucus rejects claims that South Africans are xenophobic, insisting there is no justification for the label amid rising tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals.
Ntuli was briefing the media on Wednesday when he addressed growing tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals, which he said had had a negative impact across the continent.
“We have noted the rising tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals living in our country, which have had a negative impact across the continent,” Ntuli said.
He said South Africans had been accused of xenophobia, while some countries, including Ghana, had reportedly initiated processes to repatriate citizens and raise concerns through continental institutions.
“We strongly reject the strange notion that South Africans are xenophobic,” he said.
Ntuli said South Africa’s economy made it a natural destination for migrants, but added that neighbouring countries also had responsibilities towards their citizens living in the country.
He condemned unlawful conduct against foreign nationals, regardless of their status.
“We condemn any unlawful conduct towards foreign nationals, irrespective of their status in our country,” he said.
At the same time, Ntuli said the ANC Caucus also condemned behaviour by some foreign nationals who displayed “arrogance and contempt” towards South Africa, its people, and laws.
He said the caucus noted economic pressure and high unemployment in the country, and urged compliance with labour and immigration laws.
Ntuli said the exploitation of undocumented workers was unlawful and violated labour legislation, including the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
He also praised the Border Management Authority (BMA) for upgrading at least six principal border posts, saying the improvements included technology to track overstays and short-term permit violations.
''These upgrades have introduced modern technology capable of tracking and tracing visitors who overstay their lawful period of stay, as well as individuals who enter the country on short-term permits and fail to depart as required,'' he said.
Ntuli further welcomed the implementation of the “First Safe Country Principle”, which provides that asylum seekers who have already been granted protection elsewhere, or passed through safe third countries, may be ineligible for asylum in South Africa.
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