Patriotic Alliance (PA) mayoral candidate Kenny Kunene has outlined a tough immigration policy ahead of Johannesburg’s local government elections.
Kunene wants to make the city an uncomfortable place for undocumented foreign nationals if voters elect him mayor.
He made the announcement as political parties stepped up their campaigns before the Wednesday, 4 November elections.
KENNY KUNENE PROMISES MASS DEPORTATIONS WITHIN 30 DAYS
Kunene has promised immediate action against illegal immigration should he secure the Johannesburg mayoral position.
He says his administration would establish a dedicated task team within its first 30 days.
The team would work with Home Affairs officials to identify undocumented foreign nationals and facilitate their deportation.
Kunene also wants authorities to make immigration enforcement a daily responsibility.
Addressing supporters, he accused major businesses of employing undocumented foreign nationals instead of South African citizens.
“We cannot have illegal immigrants being employed by big businesses at the expense of South Africans. So, we are going into Johannesburg to mass deport those who do not have the right papers.
“What I am saying is not a pipe dream. I have already raided houses in Bramley, in Kew, Sandton and in Hillbrow. I have raided flats where we arrested illegal immigrants and handed them over to the police. I have already started doing it, so I’m not talking about a dream,” he said as party supporters cheered.
PA BRINGS ITS ANTI-IMMIGRATION MESSAGE BACK INTO FOCUS
Kunene’s latest promises revive an issue that previously featured prominently in the Patriotic Alliance’s political campaigns.
Ahead of the 2024 general elections, party leader Gayton McKenzie and Kunene strongly championed tougher immigration enforcement.
They popularised the #Abahambe campaign while demanding that South Africans receive employment and economic opportunities first.
However, the party appeared to soften its public messaging after joining the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Kunene’s latest statements suggest immigration enforcement could again become a major campaign issue.
He also linked undocumented immigration to Johannesburg’s growing problems with hijacked properties.
According to Kunene, criminal networks have taken control of residential properties and buildings across several communities.
He specifically mentioned Soweto as another area affected by property hijackings.
“When I am the mayor, I will have more power to drive the programme of getting rid of these criminals. Our buildings are hijacked, our houses are hijacked, even in Soweto houses are being hijacked,” Kunene said.
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