KZN Premier Thami Ntuli refutes claims of xenophobia, urging for lawful protests and addressing concerns over undocumented immigration.
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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has dismissed claims of rising xenophobia in the province, characterising recent tensions as a "demonstration of civil society" concerned with undocumented migration rather than a hatred of foreigners.
Speaking at the KZN Jobs and Skills Summit alongside Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs MEC Musa Zondi, Ntuli sought to set the record straight on the international narrative surrounding the province’s social climate.
“There is no xenophobia in KwaZulu-Natal,” Ntuli stated firmly. “I know that what you see there is a demonstration of civil society or civic organisations that are saying we are worried about people who are coming to South Africa without documents.”
The Premier's comments come in the wake of viral videos and organised movements calling for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. Ntuli noted that these groups are largely advocating for adherence to legal processes, urging individuals to "go back and get proper documents."
He emphasised that the government is actively working to address the "problem" of illegal immigration but warned that protests pose risks to the province’s reputation.
While acknowledging the frustrations of the public, Ntuli issued a stern warning against the daily disruption of economic activities and the potential for violence. He argued that sustained, daily protests risk projecting an image of a "government that is not stable" to the rest of the world.
“It's even worse when there is confrontation and conflicts. It presents a government that is having instability or violence,” he said. The Premier expressed concern over "criminal elements" who have begun to hijack legitimate civic concerns to sow chaos.
“We are worried with the criminal elements among those hijacking the protests. Because there are those now who are using these demonstrations to do what is not supposed to be done,” Ntuli added.
Addressing the citizens of KZN directly, the Premier urged for a return to legislated channels of grievance. While he acknowledged the right to express frustration, he insisted that such expressions must remain within the parameters of the law.
“While it's acceptable to write a message or statement, we must be law-abiding citizens while we express our frustration and our concerns.”
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