**Football Chief Comments on South Africa’s Immigration Crackdown**
**Johannesburg, South Africa** – Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has expressed his support for stricter measures against illegal immigration in South Africa. During a press conference held in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Motsepe addressed the growing concerns surrounding unemployment and the hiring of foreign workers who are willing to accept lower wages, which he described as a legitimate issue facing the country.
Motsepe articulated that the anxiety surrounding job opportunities for South African citizens is a valid concern. He stated, “(The) concern about our people not getting jobs is a legitimate concern. And we’ve got a duty to do that.” He emphasized that it is problematic when businesses prioritize hiring foreign nationals over South Africans, particularly when these foreign workers are prepared to work for less.
The CAF President highlighted the need for South Africa to tackle illegal migration while simultaneously fostering cooperation among African nations. “We have to say we support the cooperation, the working together of Africans of the continent. We will not tolerate, we cannot support illegality. We cannot support illegal migration,” he asserted.
Motsepe further stressed the importance of creating economic opportunities within South Africa and its neighboring countries to alleviate the pressures that drive migration. He pointed out that without job creation in various provinces, such as Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape, individuals will be compelled to migrate from rural areas to urban centers in search of employment. “So we need to work together to try and create jobs in the countries, in our neighbouring countries,” he added.
His comments come amid escalating protests against illegal immigration, with some factions demanding the expulsion of undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa. The Musina Repatriation Centre in Limpopo has seen an influx of migrants as authorities continue with deportations and voluntary repatriation efforts. Reports indicate that some foreign nationals have returned to their home countries, including Mozambique and Malawi, while others find themselves stranded without the means to return.
The voluntary repatriation program has faced criticism from various groups across Africa, including voices from Ghana. Earlier this month, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the South African Presidency, expressed concern over a campaign that aims to isolate South Africa from the continent amid rising tensions linked to anti-illegal immigration protests. He noted that there have been efforts to depict South Africa as hostile to foreign nationals, despite the government’s official stance against vigilantism and its commitment to enforcing immigration laws.
Magwenya remarked, “This is despite numerous official government communications condemning acts of vigilantism against foreign nationals, asserting the state’s primary role in enforcing immigration laws, and reaffirming its commitment to the supremacy of the Constitution.” He specifically mentioned concerns regarding misinformation spread by a diplomatic representative, later confirming that he was referring to Ghana’s High Commissioner.
In response to these challenges, Magwenya asserted that the narrative portraying South Africa as isolated is unfounded. “Recent evidence shows that this false campaign, concerning as it is, is faltering. South Africa is not isolated,” he stated, reiterating the country’s dedication to maintaining engagement with other African nations and the broader international community.
As South Africa grapples with the complexities of immigration and employment, the statements from both Motsepe and Magwenya underscore the delicate balance the government seeks to maintain between addressing domestic concerns and fostering regional cooperation. The ongoing dialogue surrounding illegal immigration is likely to continue as the nation navigates its socio-economic landscape.