SONA 2026: Ramaphosa vows crackdown on illegal hiring, adds 10,000 labour inspectors
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to strengthen border security and crack down on employers flouting immigration laws.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa says employers who hire foreign nationals without the required permits or visas will face the full force of the law, as the government plans to appoint 10,000 additional labour inspectors this year.
Ramaphosa made the announcement while delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on Thursday night.
SONA officially opens Parliament and provides the president with a national platform to outline the government’s priorities for the year ahead.
He expressed concern about ongoing illegal immigration, describing it as a threat to national security and economic progress.
“Illegal immigration continues to pose a risk to our security, our stability and economic progress,” Ramaphosa said.
“We will address this problem while ensuring that the fundamental rights of every person in this country are upheld and protected.”
He said additional steps would be taken this year to strengthen border security.
“Funding to strengthen border security will be prioritised, covering infrastructure, technology and personnel,” he said.
Key border posts will be redeveloped through public-private partnerships, and the electronic travel authorisation system will be extended to all international airports and the busiest land ports of entry. Authorities are already using drones and other technology more extensively along the country’s borders, he said.
South Africa shares borders with Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. However, its borders have long faced challenges, including illegal migration, cross-border crime and delays at ports of entry. These issues have been exacerbated by porous borders, corruption and ageing infrastructure.
Ramaphosa said the police, the Department of Home Affairs and labour inspectors would work together to enforce immigration, labour and related laws.
“Employers who hire foreign nationals without the required permits or visas will face the full force of the law,” he said.
“To tighten enforcement, we will hire an additional 10,000 labour inspectors this year.
“As we undertake these interventions, we insist that the laws of our country must be observed by everyone.”
Ramaphosa also criticised groups such as the March and March movement and the political party Operation Dudula, saying their actions against undocumented migrants would not be tolerated.
The two groups have blocked undocumented migrants from accessing healthcare facilities and schools, arguing that public services are already under strain.
“We will not tolerate violence and acts of lawlessness directed at foreign nationals. No foreign national should be unlawfully barred from accessing public facilities, including health facilities and schools,” he said.
Ramaphosa said building a stronger South Africa required an ethical and capable developmental state.
“A capable state needs committed and honest public servants with the right skills and a deep culture of service,” he said.
“Over the past year, we have passed significant new legislation to professionalise the public service.”
He said the Public Service Amendment Bill would protect key appointments from political interference and ensure that capable and qualified individuals are appointed to senior positions based on their suitability for the role.
Lifestyle audits have been made mandatory for senior public servants, with 93% compliance across departments, he said.
“We are establishing a central registry for disciplinary cases across all spheres of government,” Ramaphosa said.
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