The ANC Veterans’ League (ANCVL) has called for stringent measures against undocumented migrants and the businesses that employ them, amid escalating protests targeting foreign nationals across South Africa. League president Snuki Zikalala stated that undocumented foreign nationals must either regularize their status or depart the country, while employers exploiting illegal labor should face severe legal consequences.
Speaking on the ongoing anti-migrant demonstrations, Zikalala emphasized the need to contextualize the situation within broader geopolitical and economic factors. He noted that many undocumented migrants entered South Africa primarily for economic reasons, not political asylum, and stressed that documentation, biometric verification, and clean criminal records should be mandatory for all foreign nationals residing in the country.
“South Africans are not xenophobic,” Zikalala said. “However, illegal immigrants in the country are undesirable because they bring about instability in communities.” He urged law enforcement agencies to enforce existing regulations, ensuring that individuals on temporary permits depart when their authorization expires, drawing parallels to visa renewal requirements South Africans face when traveling to neighboring countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Zikalala also targeted employers who hire undocumented workers for cheap labor, noting that these workers often lack basic rights, work excessive hours, and are excluded from workmen’s compensation. He called on Department of Labour inspectors to take immediate action against companies found employing undocumented migrants, stating they must “face the might of the law.”
Addressing recent diplomatic tensions, Zikalala referenced the Ghanaian government’s handling of repatriated citizens. He noted initial claims that 300 repatriated individuals were legally documented, followed by reports that some lacked documentation entirely. He maintained that while legal immigrants are welcome, undocumented individuals must either register with Home Affairs or depart, and their embassies should facilitate their return.
Zikalala dismissed suggestions that Ghanaian citizens face imminent danger in South Africa, reiterating that only law enforcement agencies hold authority to arrest, intimidate, or evict individuals. He referenced recent meetings of security cluster ministers, which warned that civilians attempting to enforce immigration measures would themselves face legal consequences.
On internal ANC matters, Zikalala confirmed that five party members, including two former ministers, will face disciplinary proceedings following findings by the party’s integrity commission. He stated that the National Executive Committee (NEC) unanimously supported the commission’s outcomes, with members calling for criminal charges and requiring the individuals to step aside from all ANC activities pending resolution.
“The NEC is tired of defending wrongdoers,” Zikalala said. “The integrity and dignity of this organization is sacrosanct. We are going for elections now. We want to bring back the integrity and dignity of this organization.”
Zikalala also announced a new requirement that all regional secretaries serve as full-time ANC employees, prohibiting simultaneous employment with municipal councils to ensure dedicated focus on branch development, political education, and campaign activities.
Regarding the Women’s League leadership, Zikalala affirmed that NEC resolutions are binding and cannot be overridden by subsidiary structures. He noted that the secretary general holds the authority to implement NEC decisions, including directives for officials facing disciplinary processes to resign from parliamentary and league positions.
Looking ahead to local government elections, Zikalala outlined the Veterans League’s role in identifying mayoral candidates. He stated that for the first time, the league has been empowered to recommend candidates based on “unquestionable integrity,” governing skills, and financial competence to manage municipal budgets exceeding 180 billion rands.
Candidates need not currently be ANC members but must undergo the party’s foundational training upon selection to understand its values and objectives. Zikalala emphasized rigorous vetting procedures, including authenticated police clearance certificates and comprehensive lifestyle audits to verify that candidates’ assets align with their declared earnings.
“Those who have skeletons in their closets must not even think of applying,” Zikalala said. “We need incorruptible people who become mayoral candidates.”
