The paradox of inclusion: SA’s struggle with immigration and inequality

As a growing country, no matter the slowness in development, we must be mindful that South Africa is no island.

No matter the articulation of its people, the liberating freedoms enshrined in the constitution that governs the land, and even the justice system, should be free from passion… albeit all these measures of a society born out of the inequalities that defined our country for decades.

We cannot remedy what we would allow to go undiagnosed.

I’ve never understood how our government officials can travel to these countries, sign agreements, and talk so emotionally about our extended familial relationships, yet allow a disregard for the laws of the country by those who come in search of greener pastures.

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Why is it that when a foreign soccer player is the main attraction for a team in the Premier Soccer League, then his foreign descent is of no consequence, he is a soccer star?

Why are we selective in our acceptance of who may take up residence in our country?

And the idea that job opportunities are lost to South Africans because of the presence of foreigners is in itself without merit, and yet, as basic, as obvious as this, our government has failed to put it into clearer context for our people.

The government talks of good neighbourly relations… when the political climate allows, we are a welcoming committee to those who come into our country – yet when the tide turns for political points, the very same government refuses to take any strain under the burden of undocumented and illegal immigrants.

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The spaza shops that spring up on every corner, those that sell expired goods, the rise in human trafficking and kidnapping cases where foreign nationals are key players, the exploitation of loopholes in the public service space that leaves the nation exposed, are a heavy strain to good and neighbourly relations.

The country needs a checkup, full body examination.

Why would be so easy for those who come in as visitors to exploit the shortcomings of our legal and public order systems? If it was not so, we would be having different conversations.