08/06/2026
Mr. President,
The citizens of South Africa expect decisive, well-informed leadership, and the address to the nation last night unfortunately failed to grasp the core of the crisis currently facing our country. The issue at hand is not xenophobia; it is the fundamental protection of the rights of law-abiding citizens against unlawful activities.
The systemic failure to manage illegal immigration is severely impacting our nation. Due to a critical shortage of enforcement officials and resources on the ground, a vacuum has been created, leading to widespread public frustration and civil unrest.
We urge the administration to conduct a thorough, realistic assessment of the informal and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) sectors. The impact extends far beyond spaza shops. Legitimate South African business owners have been displaced across multiple industries, including electronics, cellular services, butchery, second-hand automotive sales, furniture retail, and the hospitality sector. In many instances, this economic displacement is driven by unlawful coercion and criminal syndicates.
Furthermore, the proliferation of illegal mining, the influx of counterfeit goods, and the manufacturing of illicit currency are actively destabilizing our economy.
To restore order, the state must distinguish between legitimate refugees and individuals who enter and operate within our borders unlawfully. Respectfully, Mr. President, the public demands accountability, rigorous law enforcement, and an economic strategy that prioritizes the security and livelihoods of South African citizens.
