South Africa grapples with migration debate and deepening water crisis

A commentary on South Africa’s migration argues that migrants constitute a small share of the population and that government spending on asylum seekers represents a limited part of overall public expenditure. It contends there is little evidence that migration drives unemployment or deteriorating public services, highlighting the economic contributions of migrant‑owned businesses and skilled workers.

Fact‑checking by Africa Check found no proof that expelling undocumented migrants would significantly lower unemployment or create jobs. Labour organisations report that some employers use anti‑illegal‑migrant sentiment to dismiss workers, while businesses face shortages of experienced labour. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged that collapsing infrastructure and poor municipal management have worsened the country’s water crisis, calling for urgent reforms to prevent a nationwide supply threat.