The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has formally called on Parliament to convene an urgent debate on the nationwide protests that swept across South Africa on 30 June, arguing that the demonstrations exposed deep public frustration over the government’s handling of illegal immigration, border security and organised crime.
In a letter addressed to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, ATM parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula invoked Rule 130 of the National Assembly Rules, which allows for an urgent debate on matters of pressing public importance.
The request follows a day of demonstrations across several provinces, where thousands of South Africans marched to demand stricter enforcement of immigration laws and stronger action against undocumented migrants. While the marches were largely peaceful, there were isolated incidents of violence and intimidation reported in some areas.
Zungula argued that Parliament could not ignore what he described as widespread public dissatisfaction with the government’s response to border management and national security.
“The nationwide protests that took place across South Africa on 30 June constitute precisely such a matter,” Zungula wrote.
He claimed that millions of South Africans had taken to the streets to voice concerns that the state had failed to secure the country’s borders, enforce immigration legislation and deal effectively with undocumented migration.
According to the ATM leader, the issues raised by protesters extended beyond immigration and reflected broader concerns about governance, law enforcement and public safety.
He said demonstrators were demanding decisive action against organised criminal syndicates involved in drug trafficking and human trafficking, the proliferation of hijacked buildings in major cities, counterfeit and illicit trade, and what they viewed as weak border controls.
Zungula argued that whether every concern raised by protesters was supported by official evidence should itself become the subject of parliamentary scrutiny.
“The people are demanding facts, decisive enforcement where the law is being broken, and a credible plan to restore confidence in the State’s ability to govern,” he wrote.
The ATM also criticised the government’s public messaging ahead of the protests.
In the days leading up to the demonstrations, several government departments and ministers emphasised that 30 June would remain a normal working day, urging public servants and businesses to continue operating as usual.
Zungula accused the Executive of attempting to minimise the significance of the demonstrations instead of addressing the grievances behind them.
“Instead of engaging these concerns, government sought to gaslight the nation,” he said.
He argued that official notices reminding South Africans that it was a normal working day did little to address what he described as a growing crisis of public confidence.
According to the ATM, the Executive appeared more concerned with projecting stability than confronting the issues that motivated people to protest.
The party said it had, for years, raised concerns in Parliament over illegal immigration, corruption within immigration systems, porous borders, organised crime and illicit trade through parliamentary questions, committee meetings and debates.
Those concerns, Zungula said, were repeatedly met with assurances that the government had the situation under control.
“The events of today demonstrate that millions of South Africans are no longer convinced,” he wrote.
The ATM is now demanding that President Cyril Ramaphosa and relevant Cabinet ministers appear before Parliament to explain the government’s strategy for addressing illegal immigration and related security concerns.
The party wants the government to table a comprehensive action plan outlining how it intends to strengthen border security, improve immigration enforcement, dismantle organised criminal networks, combat human and drug trafficking, reclaim hijacked buildings and tackle counterfeit trade.
It further wants measurable targets, implementation deadlines and regular reporting to Parliament.
Zungula argued that Section 92 of the Constitution obliges Cabinet members to account collectively and individually to Parliament, saying the proposed debate would fulfil Parliament’s constitutional oversight role rather than serve as a political exercise.
He also cautioned against dismissing concerns about illegal immigration as xenophobia.
“When South Africans call for the rule of law to be upheld, it cannot be that such concerns are automatically dismissed or labelled as xenophobic,” he wrote.
He said Parliament should create space for robust debate on immigration enforcement, border management and public safety while ensuring discussions remain grounded in constitutional principles and the rule of law.
The ATM’s request comes amid increasing political pressure on the government over immigration policy, with several opposition parties arguing that border security and law enforcement have become major issues ahead of the next election cycle.
It remains unclear whether Didiza will grant the request for an urgent debate.
If approved, the debate would require members of the Executive to account before the National Assembly and could place renewed political pressure on the government to provide detailed plans for tackling illegal immigration, organised crime and border management.
Concluding his appeal, Zungula said the scale of Tuesday’s demonstrations demanded a response from Parliament.
“The people have spoken,” he wrote. “Parliament must now ensure that the Executive listens.”
