Government will work with the Zulu royal delegation and civil society organisations to address illegal migration, reclaim hijacked state-owned buildings and strengthen immigration law enforcement.
The agreement follows a meeting in Pretoria on Monday between the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, chaired by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, and a delegation led by iNkosi Malusi Zondi, Chancellor of the Zulu King.
The delegation included representatives of the Black Business Forum, Binca Nation, led by Ngizwe Mchunu, and Hlangana Mzansi.
Kubayi said the delegation had committed to working with government to address illegal migration while respecting South African laws and the judiciary. She emphasised that the group’s concerns were directed at undocumented migrants and illegal migration, not lawful immigration.
The meeting also focused on reclaiming hijacked government buildings allegedly being used for criminal activities, including drug dealing and human trafficking.
Kubayi said government had identified hijacked state-owned buildings across the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities and appointed legal representatives to assist with removing unlawful occupants. Authorities are also working with the private sector to repurpose abandoned and illegally occupied properties.
The delegation raised further concerns about youth unemployment, migrant documentation and the alleged issuing of illegal documents by immigration officials. It also expressed interest in supporting efforts to rebuild investor confidence and revive tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.
The meeting addressed ongoing court proceedings concerning asylum seekers, including conflicting Gauteng High Court judgments on the detention of undocumented people who have applied for asylum. The matter is scheduled for consideration on Thursday, 29 October 2026.
Government said its migration response would continue to follow President Cyril Ramaphosa’s five-point plan, which includes strengthening border security, enforcing immigration laws and improving cooperation with other African countries.
The parties agreed to continue working together, alongside traditional leaders and other stakeholders, to address the issues raised.
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