Phophi Ramathuba Says South Africans Are Enabling Undocumented Migrants By Renting Backyard Rooms

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has accused some South Africans of contributing to undocumented immigration by renting out backyard rooms to people living in the country illegally.

The premier made the remarks on Friday during a media briefing following a law enforcement operation targeting undocumented foreign nationals in Polokwane. She was accompanied by Limpopo acting provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Scheepers, officials from the Department of Home Affairs and representatives from the Department of Health.

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The comments come as anti-illegal immigration protests continue to gain momentum across South Africa, with several groups demanding stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals.

Ramathuba said the provincial government intended tackling the issue at community level by extending similar operations to rural areas. She added that authorities would also work closely with traditional leaders to identify undocumented people living in villages.

“We are going to deal with our own problems and resolve our own problems,” she said.

She added: “We are still going to go to those villages, have meetings and dialogue with our traditional leaders and deal with this issue – to say, how do you have somebody residing in your village who is not recognised and is not known?”

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Ramathuba criticised South Africans who benefit from government housing while allegedly accommodating undocumented foreign nationals in backyard structures.

“I can tell you, the people who are the enablers of criminals, harbouring criminals in their backyards, are our own African citizens,” she said.

“We hand over a beautiful RDP house to you… We allocate it so that you can have a better life for your children. Instead, you build backyard rooms, illegally connect electricity and water, and accommodate undocumented immigrants.”

According to the premier, authorities carried out 478 searches, leading to the arrest of 339 suspects.

She said one of those arrested was allegedly wanted in connection with a murder case and several housebreaking offences.

“One of those arrested is a hardcore criminal who has been wanted for murder and a number of housebreaking robberies around the province. He was residing in a backyard room provided by a South African citizen,” Ramathuba said.

She also criticised people who take part in anti-illegal immigration marches while allegedly assisting undocumented foreign nationals.

“You wake up in the morning as a citizen and join marches saying President Cyril Ramaphosa is doing nothing about illegal immigrants, when you are the one harbouring undocumented people, including those wanted by law enforcement agencies.”

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The premier said the operation also targeted businesses operating outside legal requirements, with several non-compliant spaza shops being shut down and some owners arrested.

Ramathuba further expressed concern over the illicit cigarette trade, saying it was harming legitimate businesses and threatening employment opportunities.

“Our own companies that employ many people are shutting down because of this illicit cigarette business, which is being supported by us, South African citizens,” she said.

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She urged residents to work with authorities by reporting criminal activities and said enforcement operations would continue across Limpopo.

“Where you see acts of criminality, report them. We are here, and we have dealt with the challenges raised by communities today. This is not only for today – we will continue coming.”

Ramathuba also alleged that some organisers of anti-immigration protests receive protection fees from undocumented foreign nationals.

“Some of you who are organising marches, we have been told by undocumented people that they pay you so that when there is a march and vigilantism happens, they are protected,” Ramathuba alleged.

She reiterated that anyone entering South Africa must comply with immigration laws.

“There is no way in the world where you can just wake up in the morning and go to another country without following the laws and ensuring that you have proper documentation,” she said.

Ramathuba added that undocumented immigration continued to place pressure on public services, including the healthcare system, because authorities often do not know the legal status of those accessing services.

Acting provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Scheepers confirmed that similar operations would continue in other districts across Limpopo.

“All the other districts are also conducting operations, although not necessarily at the same level. We will listen to our people,” he said.

Scheepers acknowledged that South Africans have a constitutional right to protest but urged communities to do so peacefully and within the law.

“Being in this country without proper documents is illegal. It is our mandate to act, and we are not going to leave any stone unturned,” he said.

“We are serious about the safety of this province and its economic growth. Together, we will make Limpopo a better province for our people.”