KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has insisted that the province’s efforts to address undocumented foreign nationals should not be viewed as xenophobic.
Ntuli was speaking on Friday after meeting in Durban with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, civic organisation March and March Movement, and the Nsizwa Nobunsizwa Foundation.
[Cape Town Petrol Theft Suspect Arrested In Plumstead After Drugs Found In Car]
The discussions centred on ways the government can respond more effectively to concerns surrounding undocumented immigrants in the province.
Recent protests in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, some of which have turned violent, have intensified calls for authorities to take action on immigration-related issues.
Ntuli said that, as head of the provincial executive, he is also leading a campaign aimed at addressing immigration challenges.
KZN Government And Civil Groups Discuss Undocumented Immigration Solutions
The meeting brought together government officials, law enforcement and civil society groups to explore practical measures for dealing with undocumented immigration.
The engagement comes amid growing public concern over the impact of illegal immigration and increasing pressure on authorities to enforce existing laws.
Thamsanqa Ntuli Says Immigration Campaign Focuses On Rule Of Law
Ntuli stressed that the campaign is intended to uphold the law and protect the interests of all residents, rather than target foreign nationals.
“This campaign is not directed against foreign nationals, not rooted in xenophobia, it is not a campaign of hatred, but it is a campaign in defence of the rule of law, public safety, economic fairness, and the integrity of our constitutional democracy,” said Ntuli.
