By Thapelo Molefe
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), led by its President, Velenkosini Hlabisa says undocumented foreigners must return to their home countries and South Africa must tighten its borders, enforce documentation laws, and prioritise citizens for jobs and services.
He reinforced this position following a controversial traditional leadership appointment in East London that he says undermined South African authority.
He delivered the remarks during the 51st anniversary celebration of the IFP in Mpumalanga on Sunday.
The gathering drew leaders and members from across provinces, councillors, party structures, youth and women’s brigades, and government representatives.
“Undocumented foreign nationals must go back to their respective countries,” Hlabisa said.
“South Africa belongs to South Africans. We cannot allow people who are here unlawfully to take jobs, occupy positions, or claim authority in our communities,” said Hlabisa.
Hlabisa referred directly to the recent appointment of a self-described Nigerian king in East London, which sparked confusion and anger among traditional structures and political leaders.
He said the individual’s claim to kingship was illegal and an insult to South Africa’s traditional leadership system.
“There is no king recognised in South Africa without going through the proper channels and legal certification,” Hlabisa said.
“I do all the necessary paperwork through my ministry, and the president issues certification. If someone claims to be a king without that recognition, it is not just unlawful, it is a direct insult to all Okumkani [kings] in the Eastern Cape and our country. If he wants to be a king, let him go back to where he belongs.”
The East London incident, Hlabisa said, illustrates wider weaknesses in border control and migration enforcement, which threaten security and social stability.
Hlabisa outlined the IFP’s proposed six-month national verification period for all foreign nationals living in South Africa.
This process will involve updated documentation checks, biometric verification, and the removal of individuals found to be without lawful status.
“We must ensure that our borders are strengthened with modern technology, from drones to biometric scanners, to help our law enforcement and border management units do their jobs,” he said.
Hlabisa tied the migration stance to employment, stressing that South Africans should be first in line for public sector jobs and access to basic services such as housing, healthcare, and education.
“South Africans must receive priority for public sector jobs,” he said.
“If we have specialised roles that require specific qualifications, then skilled foreign nationals can be considered, but only where they transfer those skills to South Africans. Ordinary jobs must be for our people first.”
While migration was a major focus, Hlabisa also issued a warning to local government representatives ahead of the 2026 local elections.
“There are councillors across our municipalities who are sleeping on the job,” he said. “Communities want service delivery now, not excuses, not rhetoric, not t-shirts.”
He reiterated that the IFP will prioritise service delivery over symbolism, and poor performance by any councillor would lead to consequences during candidate selection for the next elections.
With local government elections expected in 2026, Hlabisa confirmed that the national leadership has finalised plans for a voter registration campaign on 20–21 June.
“We must mobilise our people to register,” he said. “If people know their wards, know where to vote, and actively participate, we change the leadership that has failed them. This is how we rebuild municipalities, not just with slogans but with action.”
Hlabisa also addressed gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which he described as a crisis that continues to claim lives and violate human dignity across South Africa.
“This scourge of violence against women and children is a national moral emergency,” he said.
“We cannot allow families to be torn apart. We must protect dignity, protect lives, and act with urgency.”
He called for expanded one-stop centers in every district that provide medical care, psychological support, legal aid, and fast-track policing services for survivors. Hlabisa said the IFP will continue to push within government for ring-fenced funding and measurable outcomes in the fight against GBVF.
“This is not charity,” he said.
“This is about defending the human rights of every woman and child in our country.”
The anniversary celebration also reflected on the IFP’s history since its founding on 21 March 1975 by Mangosuthu Buthelezi during a period when political organisation was restricted following the Sharpeville Massacre.
Hlabisa traced the party’s evolution from a cultural liberation movement to a political force that plays a key role in national and provincial government.
“We stand on the shoulders of those who fought for political space when voices were silenced,” he said.
“The IFP did not only survive, it grew, it adapted, and it remains relevant.”
He also spoke about the changing face of the party, noting that many young people and women filled the audience, a contrast to past perceptions that the IFP was an old-people’s party.
“I look around this hall,” Hlabisa said, “and I see the future, young, energetic, and ready to lead. This is the IFP that belongs to tomorrow.”
As the IFP celebrated 51 years, Hlabisa said the party’s focus remained on addressing urgent national challenges, delivering services, and strengthening communities.
“We mark this anniversary not to reminisce but to redouble our commitment to service, accountability, and dignity for all South Africans,” he said.
Hlabisa closed by urging party members to prepare for the coming elections, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and uphold the values of constitutionalism, human rights, and responsive governance.
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