The Patriotic Alliance (PA), a right-wing opposition party in South Africa, has stirred controversy by advocating for the repatriation of children born to immigrants from Zimbabwe and other nations who have lived in South Africa since birth.

Addressing the IOL elections discussion in Sandton, Kenny Kunene, PA’s deputy president and Gauteng premier candidate, asserted that South Africa cannot accommodate illegal immigrants and their children born within the country. Kunene emphasized:

“The issue of illegal migration is not just a perception; it is a harsh reality. These children born in South Africa to migrant parents must return to their home countries.”

He highlighted instances of heavily pregnant women traveling from neighboring countries to give birth in South Africa, only to return with their newborns shortly after. Kunene maintained that regardless of age, these children are not South African citizens and should be repatriated along with their illegal parents.

Kunene’s remarks were prompted by a question posed by Nicholas Ngqabutho Mabhena, a prominent figure in the Zimbabwean community, regarding the PA’s stance on older children of migrants residing in South Africa.

In contrast, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Gauteng premier candidate for RISE Mzansi, advocated for granting citizenship or resident status to children born in South Africa. She argued:

“Our government struggles to enforce existing laws, leading to a perceived migration crisis. Children born in South Africa deserve the right to citizenship or residency. If not granted automatically, they should be able to apply through legal channels.”

The IOL Elections Panel Discussion, held at Sandton Radisson Blu Hotel, sparked debates over immigration policies and their implications for South Africa’s diverse population.

As of 2022, an estimated 773,246 Zimbabweans reside in South Africa, with only 178,000 holding valid permits. The issue of migration remains a contentious topic, highlighting the complexities surrounding immigration and citizenship laws in South Africa.