KZN Premier Ntuli launches strict campaign against illegal immigration and GBV
The #EngangeniNgesangoIyafohla campaign is a new intervention that aims to enforce compliance with immigration and labour laws.
This was revealed by KZN Premier Thami Ntuli when he spoke at the State of the Province Address (SOPA) held at the Woodburn Rugby Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, 27 February.
Premier Ntuli announced a decisive plan to combat undocumented migration and gender-based violence (GBV) in the province. He emphasised the need for law enforcement, community involvement, and political unity.
Ntuli outlined a comprehensive strategy for tackling both concerns, saying that these issues are critical to ensuring the province's stability and growth.
Crackdown on illegal immigration
Ntuli addressed the ongoing problem of undocumented foreign nationals. He described how their presence has been exploited by criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, cross-border crime, and the illicit circulation of firearms.
"While migration is not a crime, undocumented migration creates vulnerabilities that are often exploited by criminal elements. These activities undermine the rule of law, distort local economic activity, and place additional strain on already stretched public services," he said.
Through the #EngangeniNgesangoIyafohla campaign, the government is taking action.
"Multidisciplinary teams have conducted operations in businesses both large and small while also engaging directly with communities," he said.
He said hundreds of undocumented foreigners have been captured, and action has been taken against employers found to be in violation of labour and immigration laws.
"I am calling on all police to arrest all employers who are employing illegal foreign nationals in our province," he said.
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Warning to landlords
The Premier also called on residents to do their part. He suggested that those who accommodate or rent property to undocumented foreign nationals should be held accountable.
"If residents can stop accommodating or renting shops to undocumented foreign nationals, they will leave our province," Ntuli said.
Addressing the issue of border security, Ntuli admitted that weaknesses in the province's border management systems have made the problem worse.
He revealed plans to work closely with the Border Management Authority (BMA) to enhance coordination and intelligence-sharing at key border gates, particularly in the uMhlabuyalingana area.
He also highlighted the deployment of a second drone to monitor illegal activities along vulnerable border corridors, particularly between KZN and Lesotho.
"This is essential in combating sophisticated cross-border criminal networks," Ntuli said.
Fight against GBV
Ntuli's address also tackled the pressing issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. He described it as a national crisis requiring immediate and united action.
He reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to the fight against GBV, highlighting his full support for President Cyril Ramaphosa's characterisation of the issue as an urgent national emergency.
"Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is not, and must never become, an ideological matter," said Ntuli.
"This is a human crisis - a crisis that transcends geography, class, culture, and politics. It demands extraordinary mobilisation from all spheres of government and society."
The Premier outlined a year-long campaign under the banner #SilwaneChilo. This will seek to engage residents, empower individuals, and expose perpetrators of violence.
He said that the initiative is not just about awareness, but about changing public attitudes and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for abuse.
