McKenzie rejects accusations Patriotic Alliance has failed to address SA's immigration crisis
The PA leader said it was no longer necessary to table a bill in Parliament to tackle the crisis, saying that he had already used his influence in cabinet to meet the expectations of his voters.
Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie addresses the National Assembly during the debate on President Cyril Ramaphosa's Opening of Parliament Address on 19 July 2024. Picture: @ParliamentofRSA/X
JOHANNESBURG - As the Patriotic Alliance (PA) marks its first year in Parliament, its leader Gayton McKenzie has rejected accusations that the party has failed to address the country's immigration crisis.
The PA built much of its election campaign around the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals and the strengthening of South Africa’s borders.
However, some opposition parties argue the party has abandoned its core policies, accusing it of dancing to the African National Congress (ANC)’s tune.
McKenzie reflected on the party’s parliamentary performance during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday.
The PA promised to table a bill in Parliament to simplify the process of deporting undocumented immigrants.
However, McKenzie said this was no longer necessary at this stage, claiming that he had already used his influence in cabinet to meet the expectations of his voters.
“I am part of the GNU (Government of National Unity). I can see the work that is being done. I can see the raids that are happening. I can see how the police and home affairs ministers are raiding places. I don’t need to go do a policy in parliament.”
He said the party’s voters were more than satisfied.
“Our people are happy with our leadership. That’s why we keep winning by-elections. If we were not looking after our people, why do we win by-elections?”
McKenzie believes the PA’s performance in Parliament will boost its success in the municipal elections, set for 2026.