The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) states clearly and without ambiguity: we do not support illegality. Like all sovereign states, South Africa has the right and obligation to regulate its borders and immigration system lawfully, in line with the Constitution and international law.
What we reject firmly and unequivocally, is the scapegoating of migrants for the deep polycrisis confronting the country, and the dangerous drift toward right-wing populism and vigilantism now evident in sections of the African National Congress and its Youth League.
South Africa’s crisis of mass unemployment, poverty, inequality, deindustrialisation, collapsing public services and corruption was not caused by migrants. It is the result of policy failure, austerity, elite enrichment and state incapacity. SAFTU has repeatedly relied on Statistics South Africa to rebut the false claim that “foreigners are taking our jobs”. The evidence does not support that narrative.
It is particularly alarming that rhetoric threatening violence now emanates from the ANC Youth League, a formation historically associated with non-racialism, Pan-Africanism and constitutionalism. Threats to “take up arms” and calls to “clean” communities represent a profound departure from liberation values.
The courts have spoken clearly. In Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia and Others v Operation Dudula and Others (Gauteng High Court, 4 November 2025), the Court ruled that only immigration officials and police officers may demand identification under section 41 of the Immigration Act. The Court interdicted vigilantism, including interference with access to clinics and hospitals, interference with schools and education, unlawful evictions, workplace intimidation and hate speech, and reaffirmed that self-help is unconstitutional.
Blocking access to healthcare and education is not law enforcement, it is unlawful, unconstitutional and dangerous. Any political formation that legitimises or echoes such conduct places itself outside the constitutional order.
SAFTU therefore rejects:
• Vigilantism and threats of violence;
• Xenophobic mobilisation of the poor against the poor;
• The outsourcing of state failure to mobs and intimidation.
We affirm:
• Lawful, regulated immigration administered by the state;
• Constitutional governance and binding court rulings;
• Working-class unity across nationality.
South Africa’s crisis will not be solved by chasing migrants out of clinics, schools, workplaces or communities. It will be solved by creating jobs, rebuilding the state, reversing austerity, ending corruption and holding those responsible to account.
Turning migrants into scapegoats is not leadership.
Threatening violence is not courage.
Abandoning constitutionalism is not renewal.
Issued on behalf of the SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
For media inquiries contact the National Spokesperson at:
Newton Masuku
newtonm@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564
