ActionSA has accused the Government of National Unity (GNU) of failing to address illegal immigration, arguing that the government has prioritised policing public protests over enforcing the country’s immigration laws.

The party’s remarks come a day before planned nationwide demonstrations over illegal immigration and border security, with organisers calling for peaceful marches across several parts of South Africa on Tuesday.

On Monday, ActionSA President Herman Mashaba said the government had failed to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to deal decisively with illegal immigration, despite growing public concern.

The party urged South Africans participating in the demonstrations to remain peaceful and obey the law while making their voices heard.

“As South Africans prepare to take to the streets tomorrow, ActionSA calls on every marcher to demonstrate, through peaceful and lawful conduct, that the legitimate concerns about the sovereignty of South Africa deserve to be heard,” Mashaba said.

ActionSA also questioned the government’s decision to allocate R600 million towards policing the demonstrations, arguing that similar resources should be directed towards strengthening immigration enforcement and border security.

The allocation has already sparked public debate after Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced that additional resources would be deployed by the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force and private security companies to maintain law and order during the protests.

Government has defended the expenditure, saying it is aimed at preventing violence, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that citizens are able to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully.

The party, however, argued that the government frequently cites resource shortages when explaining why immigration laws are not adequately enforced.

“Equal urgency should be applied to strengthening immigration enforcement and ensuring the effective implementation of existing laws, rather than only finding the resources to police citizens,” Mashaba said.

ActionSA said it has consistently pushed for stronger immigration controls since entering Parliament in 2024.

According to the party, it has submitted proposed constitutional amendments aimed at putting South Africans first and has repeatedly called during the national budget process for increased funding for the Border Management Authority and immigration enforcement agencies.

The party said better funding would improve border security and enable authorities to enforce existing immigration laws more effectively.

ActionSA also highlighted what it described as efforts by its councillors in municipalities across the country to combat illegal immigration through local government initiatives.

The party pointed specifically to the City of Tshwane, where it said it had led enforcement operations targeting illegal immigration while strengthening the enforcement of municipal by-laws.

Mashaba maintained that South Africans remain welcoming towards lawful visitors but said those who abuse the country’s immigration system should no longer be tolerated.

“South Africa is home to peace-loving people who are widely known for their hospitality and warmth towards our visitors, and this is something ActionSA takes pride in, but we are no longer willing to tolerate those who abuse our laws and generosity,” said Mashaba.

The party called on the GNU to act decisively to uphold the country’s sovereignty, security and the rule of law.

Tuesday’s demonstrations are expected to draw thousands of protesters in several provinces amid growing public debate over immigration, unemployment and border management.

Authorities have repeatedly urged demonstrators to protest peacefully and warned that criminality, violence, intimidation and attacks on foreign nationals will not be tolerated.

Police have indicated that extensive security measures have been put in place ahead of the marches, with law enforcement agencies expected to maintain a visible presence in major cities and identified protest hotspots.

The demonstrations are expected to test both the organisers’ commitment to peaceful protest and the government’s ability to balance public safety with the constitutional right to demonstrate.