African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyo Zungula is at loggerheads with Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber over a decision to extend temporary concessions for visa holders.
Zungula asserts that this move would increase competition for scarce jobs between South Africans and foreigners, further increasing the unemployment rate.
He also said the decision disregarded the wellbeing and economic prospects of South Africa, as in its current economic state, it needed to focus on eradicating poverty and unemployment.
Prioritising South Africans
“With employment being one of the most pressing issues facing our country, it is imperative that we prioritise South African workers,” said Zungula.
“This policy neglects the need to protect local jobs and exacerbates economic challenges.
“Moreover, the ATM is deeply concerned that the minister’s decision will exacerbate issues caused by an influx of foreigners, particularly in Cape Town, who drive up property values and make housing increasingly inaccessible for locals.”
Zungula called on Schreiber to rather focus on hunting down illegal and fraudulent visa holders and issuers and prioritise safeguarding South African jobs and livelihoods.
He said foreigners with critical or in-demand skills should be given a timeframe in which they would stay and transfer the skills to a South African.
This, according to the ATM leader, would do away with permanent employment contracts for anyone who is not South African.
Signal of intent
Schreiber said: “The concession applies to legal visa holders who are already contributing to South Africa through tourism, investment, and skills, and who are waiting for Home Affairs to process legal renewals, waivers, or appeals due to the big backlog we are tackling.”
In a statement on Thursday, the department said that it would take time to achieve this vision in full.
However, the decision to extend the temporary concession serves as a signal of intent.
The intent is to “reinvigorate the Department of Home Affairs and position it as a vital economic enabler”.
