KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli convenes high level roundtable on illegal immigration

 In a decisive move to tackle the complexities of illegal immigration and social instability, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli led a high-level, multisectoral stakeholder engagement today, Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

The round table discussion, held in Durban, brought together a broad spectrum of leaders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), traditional leaders, faith-based organizations, and civic formations. The engagement focused on the provincial government's intensified response to the influx of undocumented foreign nationals while prioritizing the maintenance of social cohesion.

Premier Ntuli opened the session by emphasizing that illegal immigration is not merely a border issue but a challenge that undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in governance.

 Public Service Impact: Representatives from the Departments of Education and Health presented on the strain placed on public infrastructure. Notably, Head of Department for Education, Mr. Ngcobo, highlighted the constitutional mandate to provide basic education to all learners, regardless of documentation status, while calling for better registration systems.

 Security and Compliance: The SAPS and community policing forums discussed strategies to curb the proliferation of contraband goods, human trafficking, and the fraudulent documentation networks often linked to undocumented migration.

 Economic Integrity: The Premier reiterated his administration's stance on "Operation Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla," aimed at ensuring businesses, particularly spaza shops and industrial factories, comply with labor laws and do not exploit undocumented workers.

"Illegal immigration constitutes a violation of the legal frameworks that maintain orderly migration systems," Premier Ntuli stated. "While we must uphold constitutional values and human dignity, we will not tolerate the abuse of our labor market or the proliferation of illicit activities."

A primary focus of today’s engagement was the prevention of vigilantism. Premier Ntuli urged community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, stressing that immigration enforcement is strictly the role of trained authorities.

The multisectoral approach aims to bridge the gap between frustrated local communities and the provincial government, ensuring that the response to migration is coordinated, lawful, and humanitarian.

Following today’s session, the Provincial Government is expected to finalize a streamlined policy for inter-departmental cooperation on migration management.