Limpopo Premier Warns of Public Service 'Collapse' Due to Undocumented Migrants
Johannesburg – Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has issued a stark warning about the potential for a "spectacular collapse" of South Africa's public services and social stability, citing the unchecked influx of undocumented foreign nationals. Her remarks, made in an exclusive interview with Sunday World, reiterate her long-standing and often controversial stance on immigration.
Ramathuba, whose political star is rising within the ANC, insisted that South Africans must be prioritised when it comes to the provision of services. She argued that certain jobs and economic activities should be specifically reserved for South African citizens. This prioritisation, she stated, should extend beyond healthcare to include education and job allocation.
"The reality was that South Africa cannot be expected to play big brother to the rest of the continent when it has problems of its own," Ramathuba stated, emphasising the need to address domestic challenges before taking on the burdens of the wider region.
Her comments come at a time when the government is increasingly focused on tightening border controls and immigration policies. President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivering the January 8 speech at the Moruleng stadium in North West, announced that the government will be tightening border and immigration systems to better manage movement into the country. He also stated that the government is considering new laws to put South Africans first in line for jobs, especially given the high unemployment rate.
"The government continues to strengthen immigration management through the Border Management Authority, the review of immigration policies and legislation, and regulations that prioritise employment for South Africans, particularly in the context of high unemployment," Ramaphosa said. He acknowledged the ease with which South Africa's borders can be crossed illegally and outlined plans to strengthen border control "as part of efforts to combat illegal mining, organised crime, and terrorism".
Ramathuba's views on immigration have previously drawn both support and condemnation. In August 2022, while serving as the Health MEC in Limpopo, she was filmed berating a Zimbabwean woman who had sought treatment at a Limpopo hospital following a car accident.
In the widely circulated video, Ramathuba was heard telling the patient, an undocumented migrant, that Zimbabwe should take responsibility for her healthcare needs instead of South Africa. "You are killing my health system," she admonished the patient, highlighting the strain on South Africa's limited healthcare budget.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, with parties such as the EFF and DA calling for her resignation. The DA in Limpopo lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, while the Helen Suzman Foundation reported her to the Health Professions Council.
Despite the criticism, Ramathuba has remained steadfast in her position. This week, the medical doctor-turned-politician doubled down on her stance, asserting that South Africans in Limpopo must receive priority assistance over illegal foreign nationals.
"The fact of the matter is that South Africa has got its own citizens that it owes everything to. We owe South Africans quality healthcare; therefore, as much as we would want to be a big brother in SADC or on the continent, we must never think we can hold the problems of healthcare in the SADC region or on the continent on our own. There is no way."
She further elaborated, "We can open the gates and allow everybody to come in, [but] we are just going to collapse."
Ramathuba is adamant that her views should not be misconstrued as xenophobic. She pointed out that during her tenure as Health MEC, Limpopo emergency and healthcare services frequently catered to undocumented migrants. However, she believes this should not extend to all forms of care. "We have a backlog of surgical patients of our own people. We owe it to our people to provide quality healthcare. Health is a basic human right."
Ramathuba explained that her concerns extend beyond the healthcare system. As Premier, she has become increasingly aware of the broader impact of undocumented migration, including its association with violent crimes that are difficult for the police to solve.
"You hear of farm owners, black and white, being killed, but police are not able to crack these cases because some of these murders are committed by those who are not documented in the country," she stated, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement.
She also emphasised the pressures placed on the education system and the economy by unchecked migration.
Addressing criticism of her views on social media, Ramathuba urged introspection. "Keyboard warriors on social media networks must also begin to self-introspect about their own contribution to the problem of illegal migrants."
"When I am busy on Twitter insulting the government, knowing that my domestic worker is undocumented, I [should] know I am part of the problem," she concluded.
Ramathuba also denied rumours that she was being considered as a possible candidate for the deputy presidency of the ANC in 2027.
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