President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to face questions in the NCOP on illegal immigration, border control and asylum system challenges during a question-and-answer session on Thursday.
Image: Phando Jikelo | GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday afternoon on issues ranging from illegal immigration and border management to South Africa's asylum system.
The question-and-answer session comes amid growing public debate over undocumented migration, border security, and the government's handling of asylum seekers and refugees.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the session forms part of Parliament’s constitutional mandate to hold the executive accountable.
“Oral question-and-answer sessions with the President, Deputy President and Cabinet Ministers are one of the mechanisms Parliament uses to hold the Executive to account, as stipulated in Section 92(2) of the Constitution,” Mothapo said.
Ramaphosa is expected to be asked whether government is implementing urgent measures to address, strengthen border enforcement and deal with backlogs and capacity constraints in the asylum system.
He is also expected to face questions on enforcement measures to curb the employment of undocumented foreign nationals and align the asylum system with recent Constitutional Court rulings.
Other expected questions include steps to address alleged criminal infiltration and corruption within law enforcement, intelligence and other state organs, following findings linked to the Madlanga Commission.
Members are also expected to question progress on the National Illicit Economic Disruption Programme announced in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, which targets illicit trade in tobacco, alcohol, fuel and counterfeit goods.
Ramaphosa may further be asked about South Africa’s international relations and efforts to manage tensions with African countries amid concerns over migration and recent diplomatic strains involving states including Ghana.
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