Hlabisa Warns of Illegal Migration Crisis

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) president Velenkosini Hlabisa has described illegal migration as a national crisis and called for stricter employment priorities for South Africans.

He was speaking in Soweto at the weekend where the party marked its 50th anniversary. Hlabisa said companies should adopt an 80–20 employment ratio, reserving at least 80% of jobs for South Africans. He linked this to the need to create opportunities for young people, women and small business owners, warning that without this, the country’s prosperity would remain out of reach.

The IFP leader argued that illegal migration places a heavy strain on the fiscus, compromises national security and undermines job creation. Estimates suggest that up to 15% of South Africa’s population may be undocumented, adding further pressure on already fragile resources.

While firm on the need to secure borders and defend local jobs, Hlabisa acknowledged the importance of foreign nationals with scarce skills, saying that legal migration remains vital for economic growth.