Godongwana
In a frank talk about the pressures facing South Africa’s cities and services, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has highlighted how a big influx of people from other countries is adding to the country’s tough challenges. He pointed out that 51 out of every 100 migrants, whether they came legally or not, end up living in Gauteng, putting extra weight on already stretched resources like housing, healthcare, and jobs. Godongwana stressed that illegal immigration needs quick fixes to ease the burden on everyday people who wait long for basics.
This comes at a time when many South Africans feel the pinch from high living costs and slow growth, making the debate on borders and newcomers even hotter.
Gauteng, the economic heart of the nation with busy cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria, draws folks looking for better chances, but this rush has sparked worries about fairness and overload. As net immigration hits high numbers—over 850,000 people estimated to have moved in between 2016 and 2021—the minister’s words call for a rethink on how the country handles who comes in and stays. This article looks at Godongwana’s key points, the heavy load on Gauteng, wider trends in people moving to South Africa, pushes for tougher rules, and what folks on the ground are saying.
The Minister’s Key Concerns on Resource Strain
Godongwana did not hold back on how unchecked migration is hitting hard on public services that are already under pressure. He argued that the idea of South Africa belonging to all who live in it, as per the Constitution, might need a fresh look given the real-world squeezes. Undocumented migrants often jump ahead in getting homes or help from the state, he said, while locals wait in line during a time of fast city growth.
This overload shows in everyday struggles: hospitals turn away patients due to shortages, schools cram in more kids without enough teachers, and job hunts get fiercer in a place where unemployment sits high. The minister linked this to bigger economic woes, like slow growth and tight budgets that make it hard to build more houses or clinics fast enough. Without addressing illegal entries soon, he warned, the gaps between haves and have-nots could widen, hurting the push for a fairer society.
His call echoes past talks on borders, where leaders have flagged how some newcomers slip in without papers, adding to crime worries or job competition in tough spots
Heavy Load on Gauteng: The Migration Hotspot
Gauteng stands out as the top draw for newcomers, pulling in over half of all migrants to the country. This small province, home to big business and government hubs, sees crowds flocking for work in factories, shops, or offices. But with so many arriving—net figures show hundreds of thousands from Africa and Asia settling here—the strain is clear: roads clog up, water runs short in some areas, and public transport buckles under the weight.
Push factors from other provinces, like weak economies in places such as the Eastern Cape, add to the flow, with folks leaving behind poor job chances for brighter lights in Johannesburg or Pretoria. Yet, this rush means services meant for locals get shared thinner, leading to longer waits for homes or health care. Undocumented arrivals sometimes tap into these ahead of citizens, sparking frustration in communities already battling poverty.
The numbers tell a stark tale: while the country saw net outflows of some groups, like nearly 91,000 White residents leaving between 2016 and 2021, inflows from elsewhere keep climbing, mostly landing in Gauteng’s urban mix.
Wider Trends: South Africa’s Pull as a Top Destination
South Africa remains a magnet for people across the continent and beyond, hosting more migrants than any other African nation. Recent estimates put net arrivals at around 853,000 from 2016 to 2021, a jump from earlier years, driven by hopes for better lives amid wars, droughts, or job hunts back home. Most come from nearby countries, seeking safety or work, but this mix brings both boosts—like new skills and business—and strains on tight budgets.
In cities, fast growth from these moves leads to slums, job fights, and service breakdowns. Politicians have long debated this, with some linking rises in crime or drug issues to unchecked borders, though experts warn against blaming all woes on newcomers. Instead, poor planning and weak checks let problems fester, turning what could be a strength into a headache.
Push for Tougher Rules: Deportations and Border Fixes
Godongwana called for a no-nonsense approach, including deporting those without papers to protect resources for citizens. This fits with ongoing drives, like over 51,000 removals since mid-2024 under the new government mix. Leaders argue it’s not hate but fairness—blocking illegal entries while welcoming those who follow rules.
Yet, this stance draws fire from rights groups, who say it fuels fear and attacks on foreigners. Past flare-ups, like shop raids or clinic blocks, show how talk of strains can turn ugly. The minister’s words urge a balance: fix borders to cut illegal flows, but keep the door open for legal skills that help grow the economy.
Minister Godongwana
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate
[SRC] https://centralnews.co.za/godongwana-raises-alarm-on-migration-strain-51-of-migrants-settle-in-gauteng-urges-action-on-illegal-immigration/
