ANCYL Demands Leon Schreiber Break Silence on Illegal Immigration Crisis

June 16, 2026 3 min read

Collen Malatji, a member of the African National Congress Youth League, has publicly accused Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber of failing to address the growing crisis of illegal immigration into South Africa. Malatji's challenge, issued through media briefings this week, centres on what he describes as the minister's prolonged silence on border security and irregular migration. The ANCYL official called on Schreiber to provide clear answers on the government's strategy for managing undocumented arrivals at South Africa's borders.

The dispute highlights deepening tensions within South Africa's political landscape over immigration policy. Schreiber, who assumed the Home Affairs portfolio in the current administration, has faced mounting pressure from various quarters to outline concrete measures for addressing illegal entry. Malatji's accusation marks one of the most direct challenges yet from an ANC-affiliated body, signalling potential friction between the ruling party and its youth wing on this issue.

Malatji's Public Challenge

Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg, Malatji accused Schreiber of avoiding accountability on a matter that directly affects South African citizens. "Our communities are bearing the consequences of weak border management, and the minister has offered no substantive response," Malatji stated. The ANCYL member stopped short of providing specific statistics on irregular crossings but pointed to reports from border communities describing increased pressure on local services and security resources.

The youth league official framed his challenge as a matter of national importance rather than partisan politics. Malatji stressed that the ANC's historic commitment to regional solidarity does not preclude robust enforcement of immigration laws. He argued that orderly migration processes protect both citizens and legitimate newcomers alike.

Schreiber's Position Remains Unclear

Attempts to obtain comment from Schreiber's office regarding Malatji's accusations were met with no immediate response by publication time. The Home Affairs Minister has made few public statements on illegal immigration since taking office, focusing instead on modernisation of visa systems and improvements to legal migration channels.

Government insiders suggest the minister faces competing pressures from business interests seeking expanded labour migration alongside public concerns about irregular entry. South Africa has long struggled to balance its role as the continent's largest economy with the persistent challenge of managing porous borders across multiple provinces.

Broader Immigration Context

South Africa has historically served as a destination for migrants from neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho. This migration pattern has occasionally sparked social tensions, most notably during 2008 and 2015 episodes of xenophobic violence that targeted foreign nationals. The country's Department of Home Affairs oversees visa issuance, asylum processing, and immigration enforcement through its Inspectorate division.

Previous administrations have oscillated between crackdowns on undocumented migrants and calls for regional cooperation on root causes of migration. The Department has previously collaborated with neighbouring governments on information sharing and joint border operations, though such initiatives require sustained political will and resources.

Political Implications for the ANC

The ANCYL's decision to publicly challenge Schreiber reflects underlying tensions within the ruling party about how to address immigration concerns voiced by ordinary South Africans. While senior ANC leadership has historically emphasised pan-African solidarity, grassroots members increasingly report pressure from constituents frustrated by perceived inaction on illegal immigration.

Malatji's intervention may be intended to demonstrate that the youth league is responsive to voter concerns ahead of upcoming local elections. Polling consistently shows immigration among the top five issues that South African voters want addressed, creating political incentives for politicians across the spectrum to adopt firmer rhetoric.

What Happens Next

Schreiber faces mounting calls to address the immigration question directly rather than through technical improvements to visa systems. Parliamentary observers expect opposition parties to raise the matter during upcoming Home Affairs committee sessions. If the minister continues to deflect, ANCYL officials have indicated they may escalate their campaign through additional public statements and parliamentary questions.

The coming weeks will test whether Schreiber can satisfy his critics without adopting the more confrontational immigration rhetoric favoured by some opposition parties. South Africa's international relationships with neighbouring governments also constrain how far any administration can go without risking diplomatic fallout. Watch for Schreiber's next public appearance and any statements on border security or immigration reform.