ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal has introduced a motion to establish a specialised unit aimed at addressing illegal immigration and related activities in KwaDukuza Local Municipality.
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ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal has welcomed the tabling of a motion before the KwaDukuza Municipality full council calling for the establishment of a specialised unit to address illegal immigration and related unlawful activities in the northern KZN town.
The motion, scheduled for debate on Thursday, April 30, proposes the creation of a dedicated enforcement unit within the municipality to tackle issues including illegal trading, fraudulent business registrations, and the unlawful occupation of properties.
The issue arises as Premier Thami Ntuli told a recent summit that there was no xenophobia in the province however there have been a series of demonstrations in recent weeks in the Durban CBD calling for an end to illegal immigrations. Protesters have also had violent clashes with foreign nationals after they demanded proof that they were legally in the country.
In a statement, ActionSA KZN chairperson Zwakele Mncwango said the debate represented “an important step towards restoring law and order” in the municipality.
“Communities across KwaDukuza have raised serious concerns about illegal trading, fraudulent business registrations, and the unlawful occupation of properties, issues that require urgent, coordinated intervention,” Mncwango said.
The proposal, brought forward in terms of Section 29 of the council’s standing rules, calls for the executive committee to investigate several measures. These include the feasibility of establishing a specialised task team within the municipality’s traffic or community safety units, as well as strengthening collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs, and other agencies.
The motion also highlights concerns about the operation of spaza shops and tuckshops, where it alleges that some local individuals are fraudulently registering businesses on behalf of undocumented foreign nationals. It further notes that some compliant local business owners have struggled to obtain licences, limiting their access to funding opportunities.
ActionSA stated that its proposal aims to provide “practical solutions” rather than merely raising concerns.
“This motion proposes a clear, actionable approach, including the creation of a dedicated enforcement unit and stronger collaboration with key law enforcement agencies such as SAPS and Home Affairs,” Mncwango said.
He called on councillors across party lines to support the motion.
“We call on all political parties represented in council to rise above partisan interests and support this motion in the best interest of our communities. The safety, dignity, and economic inclusion of our residents must come first,” he said.
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