In a response to President Ramaphosa’s recent address on immigration tensions, African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) Member of Parliament Steve Swart outlined the party’s position on border security, xenophobic violence, and the humane treatment of migrants.
Swart welcomed several initiatives announced by the President but questioned why similar measures were not implemented sooner, noting that xenophobic attacks are not a new phenomenon. “We know in 2008 following the 2008 attacks we had the national action plan,” Swart stated, emphasizing that while the ACDP supports the new proposals, “implementation is going to be critical.”
The ACDP spokesperson expressed deep concern about porous borders, acknowledging the work of the Border Management Authority, which reportedly prevented approximately 450,000 illegal entry attempts into South Africa over the past year. Swart also noted that corruption within the Department of Home Affairs is being addressed but stressed that sustained efforts are essential.
A central pillar of the ACDP’s approach, according to Swart, is meaningful engagement with neighboring countries. He critiqued past foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding Zimbabwe, arguing that economic instability in the region has driven hundreds of thousands to seek refuge and employment in South Africa. “We’re starting to see an engagement with those countries to establish peace and security, economic growth in those countries so that those migrants that are seeking refuge and seeking jobs in South Africa would rather find jobs in their own homes,” Swart said.
While affirming the ACDP’s Christian values, Swart underscored the need to treat all individuals with humanity and respect. However, he maintained that those residing in South Africa illegally must face legal consequences and be repatriated. He further proposed that foreign nationals incarcerated in South African prisons should, where possible, serve their sentences in their countries of origin.
Addressing economic tensions, Swart acknowledged the frustrations of many South Africans grappling with unemployment and poverty, particularly regarding foreign-owned local businesses. “It is very necessary that Spars and local businesses are preferably run by South Africans,” he stated, while cautioning that responses must remain lawful and non-violent.
Swart condemned xenophobic attacks in the strongest terms and called for law enforcement to protect both foreign nationals and South Africans. He urged that individuals inciting hatred or violence must also face legal accountability. “We as believers need to be praying for peace, but we also need to be active in our societies so that illegal immigrants are dealt with by the law,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Swart affirmed the ACDP’s commitment to supporting government initiatives constructively, warning that failure to address the issue sensitively could result in further loss of life. “This is a very sensitive situation that can lead to the loss of lives not only of foreigners but also of South Africans as has happened in the past,” he said.
