SANCO KZN_Official

ERRATUM:
STATEMENT ON THE R600 MILLION PROPOSED ALLOCATION TO COUNTER ANTI-IMMIGRATION MARCHES

26 June 2026, Friday

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in KwaZulu-Natal expresses its profound disappointment at the reported decision by government to allocate R600 million to respond to the planned anti-illegal immigration marches.

This expenditure is a direct consequence of government's continued failure to listen to communities and to organisations such as SANCO that have consistently raised concerns about illegal immigration, border security and the enforcement of South Africa's immigration laws. In December 2024, SANCO led a peaceful march to the Union Buildings where we submitted a memorandum to President Cyril Ramaphosa demanding decisive government intervention to address illegal immigration, strengthen border management, combat corruption within immigration systems and protect the country's sovereignty.

Had government engaged meaningfully with SANCO's memorandum and acted with urgency on the concerns raised by communities, South Africa would not be witnessing the levels of frustration, anger and social tension that exist today.
Instead of addressing the root causes, government ignored the warning signs until the situation escalated into a national crisis. As it stands, communities and civic movements have decided to act upon the failures could have been prevented.

Government cannot now attempt to spend millions managing the consequences of problems it failed to prevent. SANCO has always maintained that South Africa is a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law. Illegal immigration is fundamentally a law enforcement and governance challenge, not a challenge that should be left for frustrated communities to confront on their own.

As, SANCO KZN, we therefore reject the prioritisation of R600 million to respond to marches when those resources could instead be directed towards practical interventions that permanently strengthen the capacity of the state.

SANCO in KwaZulu-Natal witnesses community frustration on a daily basis and we propose that government immediately redirect these resources towards:
- Strengthening the Border Management Authority through additional personnel, surveillance technology and infrastructure.
- Increasing the deployment of the South African National Defence Force along vulnerable border areas.
- ⁠Recruiting additional SAPS officers and strengthening specialised crime intelligence and organised crime units.
- Intensifying operations against human trafficking, document fraud and cross-border criminal syndicates.
- ⁠Accelerating immigration processing and deportation procedures where legally applicable.
- ⁠Eliminating corruption within Home Affairs and border management institutions.
- ⁠Conducting regular labour inspections against employers who knowingly employ undocumented persons in contravention of South African law.
- ⁠Creating employment opportunities for South African citizens, particularly young people.
- ⁠Investing in municipalities experiencing severe pressure on public services.

These interventions would deliver long-term benefits instead of unethically spending public money on managing the symptoms of policy failures.

At the same time, SANCO KZN wishes to address all communities, civic organisations and those intending to participate in demonstrations on 30 June 2026 and remind them that 30 June is not a public holiday. Businesses will remain operational and government institutions will continue with their normal programmes, and economic activity must not be disrupted through acts of criminality.
We therefore call upon all South Africans to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly in whatever that they will do, lest the naysayers and detractors opportunistically liken their struggle to xenophobic acts and criminal violance.

SANCO KZN unequivocally condemns:
- Looting of businesses.
- Destruction of public or private property.
- Intimidation of South African residents, workers or commuters.
- Acts of vigilantism and xenophobia.
- Any conduct that places lives at risk or results in unnecessary arrests and criminal prosecution.

Every South African has the constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate and express their views peacefully, but no individual has the right to undermine the rule of law or violate the rights of others. The fight against illegal immigration must never become a fight against innocent people.

Government has both a constitutional and moral obligation to secure South Africa's borders, enforce immigration laws fairly and consistently, protect all law-abiding residents, and restore public confidence in state institutions.

As SANCO KZN, we remain committed to advocating for lawful immigration management, accountable governance and safer communities. We urge government to return to meaningful engagement with civil society and community organisations before public frustration deepens further.

South Africa needs decisive leadership; not reactive expenditure.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF: SANCO KWAZULU-NATAL

For enquiries contact:
Provincial Secretary
Sizwe Cele
Cell: +27661677086

Provincial Head of Communications
Nomcebo Msomi
Cell: +27769695897

[READ:]
STATEMENT ON THE DISBANDMENT OF ETHEKWINI REGION AND APPOINTMENT OF RICC IN ETHEKWINI
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[PICTURE:]
ALL roads lead to voting stations. Go check yourself at your nearest voting stationa and those who have never voted before, REGISTER to VOTE ❎
Your vote matters!

[PICTURE:]
Count down continues...
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[READ:]
STATEMENT ON 50 YEARS OF STUDENT UPRISING COMMEMORATING YOUTH DAY
16 JUNE 2026-Tuesday

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in KwaZulu-Natal joins the nation in commemorating Youth Month as it marks it's 50th anniversary of the historic 16 June 1976 Student Uprising, which ultimately became Youth Day.

Today, we honour the courage, sacrifice and revolutionary spirit of the young people who rose against the injustice of apartheid education and the broader system of racial oppression. Fifty years ago, thousands of students took to the streets demanding dignity, equality and the right to quality education. Their bravery altered the course of our history and accelerated the struggle for a democratic South Africa.

The names of young heroes such as Hector Pieterson, Hastings Ndlovu, Tsietsi Mashinini and countless others remain etched in our collective memory, as enduring symbols of resistance and hope. As we reflect on this historic milestone, we must ask ourselves a difficult but necessary question: what would the youth of 1976 demand from us today?

They would demand action against the crisis of youth unemployment, which continues to deny millions of young people the opportunity to build dignified and productive lives. They would challenge the inequalities they endured and the inequality that still continues to separate those with access to education, technology and economic opportunity from those left behind. They would speak out against the scourge of crime and drug abuse that has taken root in many of our communities, trapping young people in cycles of violence, addiction and hopelessness. They would raise their voices against the alarming rates of teenage pregnancy, which continue to disrupt the educational aspirations and future prospects of many young women in our societies.

The youth of 1976 fought for access to quality education because they understood that education is the foundation of freedom and hope. Today, we must ensure that education equips young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in the economy and continue to make it fashionable.

SANCO KZN therefore calls for increased investment in early childhood development, quality basic education, technical and vocational training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support and accessible higher education. Education must be directly linked to job creation, innovation and economic participation.

Government, business, organised labour and civil society must work together to create sustainable employment opportunities through industrialisation, infrastructure development, local procurement and support for small enterprises. As communities continue to grapple with high unemployment and limited access to public services, SANCO KZN acknowledges growing concerns regarding illegal immigration and undocumented economic activity. We call for effective border management, the enforcement of immigration laws and the protection of employment opportunities for South African citizens within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law.

At the same time, we reject xenophobia, discrimination and violence in all forms. Lasting solutions require accountable governance, effective law enforcement and regional cooperation.

Corruption remains one of the greatest betrayals of the aspirations of the youth of 1976. Every rand lost to corruption is a rand stolen from education, healthcare, infrastructure, community development, job opportunity and youth empowerment programmes.

As South Africa prepares for the upcoming local government elections, SANCO KZN urges young people to honour the legacy of the 1976 generation by participating actively in democratic processes. Register to vote on the 20th and 21st of June 2026, engage in community structures, hold leaders accountable and become active participants in shaping the future of our country.

The struggle of the youth of 1976 did not end with the achievement of political freedom. The struggle continues today in the fight for economic justice, quality education, safe communities and equal opportunities for all.

As a civic movement rooted in communities, SANCO KZN recommits itself to mobilising communities around issues affecting young people, advocating for youth employment, promoting access to education and skills development, fighting corruption, strengthening social cohesion and building safer communities free from crime and substance abuse.

Fifty years after the Student Uprising, the challenge before us is clear: we must transform political freedom into economic opportunity and social justice. The greatest tribute we can pay to the youth of 1976 is not only to remember their sacrifice, but to fulfil their vision of a South Africa where every young person can live with dignity, purpose and hope.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF:
SANCO KWAZULU-NATAL

For enquiries contact:
Provincial Secretary
Sizwe Cele
Cell: +27661677096

Provincial Head of Communications
Nomcebo Msomi
Cell: +27769695897

[PEOPLE’S POWER POST:] 📄
WHY YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE 🗳️
Your vote is your voice and when you register to vote, you secure your right to shape the future of your community, your province, and our country. Voting is more than a democratic right, it is a powerful tool to influence decisions on service delivery, education, job creation, healthcare, safety, economic opportunities and many more.

If you do not register, you cannot participate in choosing leaders who will make decisions that affect your daily life.
As SANCO KZN, we encourage every eligible South African, especially young people and first-time voters, to take part in the voter registration weekend on 20–21 June 2026.

Don't leave your future in someone else's hands. Register to vote and make your voice count.
The count down begins...
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[PEOPLE’S POWER POST:] 📄
Why the ANC still matters! 🖤💚💛

The African National Congress KZN ANC was built as a people’s movement, rooted in the struggles, hopes and unity of ordinary South Africans. From leading the fight against apartheid to delivering freedom and democracy, its' legacy is one of resilience and transformation. Today the work continues.

As communities we have access to housing, social grants, education, health and basic services, which are part of the progress achieved through years of collective effort. These gains remind us that change is possible when people stand together under a shared vision.

The ANC remains a platform for the people, to organise, to be heard and to shape the future of our country. Let’s continue building, correcting, and strengthening together.

Count down continues and in underway.

[PICTURE:]
sends celebratory messages on the birthday occasion of its PEC member Xoli Mathenjwa as she adds another year to her growth. We'd like her to continue playing her progressive role in building the civic movement in her different capacities and appreciate her coomittment to societal and sectoral mobilisation in KZN. Have a great one ! 🎂
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