South Africa doesn't belong to illegal immigrants, says ActionSA
ActionSA proposes constitutional changes to tighten immigration laws and prioritise South Africans in jobs and public services.
The Constitution
702's Tshidi Madia (in for Clement Manyathela) is joined by ActionSA's Athol Trollip.
Listen below
ActionSA has formally submitted proposed amendments to the Constitution aimed at tightening South Africa’s immigration laws and limiting the rights of undocumented foreign nationals.
The party argues that the current legal framework has failed.
The party says the amendments seek to prioritise South Africans' access to public services, employment, and economic opportunities.
"We have a crisis of undocumented or illegal immigration in this country and it's having a knock-on effect on service delivery and the right of bona fide South African citizens."
Athol Trollip, Parliamentary Leader - ActionSA
Trollip says that within the preamble of the Constitution, the text which states 'South Africa belongs to all who live in it' needs to be corrected because there has been persistent misinterpretation to the detriment of South Africans.
"[it] has been used to extend Constitutional protections to those residing in South Africa illegally."
- Athol Trollip, Parliamentary Leader - ActionSA
Trollip says the party is requesting a 'carefully considered revision' of the preamble.
It also wants parts of the Bill of Rights altered, specifically those to do with housing rights and healthcare.
"[South Africa] doesn't belong to illegal immigrants - we have between 5 and 10 million illegal immigrants in this country, nobody really knows."
Athol Trollip, Parliamentary Leader - ActionSA
"Essentially, it pushes bona fide South African citizens to the back of the queue and we as ActionSA are saying charity begins at home."
- Athol Trollip, Parliamentary Leader - ActionSA
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