Thabo Mbeki says anti-illegal immigration campaign driven by foreign interests
By TUW
Thabo Mbeki has alleged that South Africa’s growing anti-illegal immigration movement is being coordinated with support from foreign interests rather than emerging as a genuine grassroots campaign.
Speaking during a National Democratic Revolution (NDR) seminar, the former president argued that undocumented migrants have become convenient scapegoats for the country’s deep-rooted economic and social problems. He maintained that high unemployment, rising crime and other challenges stem from years of policy failures within South Africa, not from illegal immigration.
Mbeki’s comments come amid ongoing anti-illegal immigration demonstrations in various parts of the country, where protesters have called for stricter border controls and stronger enforcement of immigration laws.
In response, the “March and March” movement dismissed the former president’s allegations, saying the campaign is supported by ordinary South Africans and is motivated by public concerns over border security and the implementation of immigration regulations.
