IFP’s Hlabisa calls for illegal immigrants to be deported

INKATHA Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for the immediate deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

Hlabisa said while the IFP supports migration for people with scarce skills, it wanted the government to deport all those who were in the country illegally.

He made the remarks yesterday during the IFP’s 50th anniversary celebration at Jabulani Amphitheatre in Soweto, Gauteng.

“As the IFP, we remain true to the issue of illegal migration. We will remain true to the commitment we made to you. Even now, in the GNU, the IFP is against undocumented immigrants from foreign countries who lack the scarce skills that we need and must return to their countries,” Hlabisa told a cheering crowd.

He said the IFP remained “undiluted” on the issue of undocumented immigrants, arguing that illegal migration strained South Africa's health system and other public services.

“Our people arrive at hospitals and find medicines have run out because they are taken by undocumented immigrants from other countries.”