From crisis to governance: Rethinking SA’s response to undocumented migration

SOUTH Africa’s migration crisis is no longer merely a social irritant or a border control problem; it has evolved into a complex test of State capacity, regional diplomacy and governance integrity.

The persistent inflow of undocumented migrants from across the Southern African Development Community, driven by economic collapse, conflict, climate stress and institutional failure in several neighbouring States, has intensified public frustration over unemployment, crime and the strain on public services, particularly healthcare.

While xenophobic violence is indefensible and incompatible with constitutional values, it is also a warning signal that migration governance failures have reached a critical point.

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