By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

The African National Congress (ANC) has stated that in the 32 years that it has been in office in democratic South Africa that it has never opened up the borders of the country.

 ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, addressed the media stating that NGOs have stifled the government’s efforts several times when they had wanted to deport undocumented foreign nationals.

Mbalula stated that the issue of immigration can only be resolved through the means of law and that vigilantism is not the answer. “The Scalbrini Centre, Lawyers for Human Rights and others have, for many years, repeatedly and successfully approached our courts to constrain removals and to protect the rights of migrants, asylum seekers.” said Mbalula

“This is the truth. The ANC government has often been doing so much on immigration that the courts themselves have often had to rein it in. You cannot in the same breath sue the government for deporting and then accuse it of doing nothing,” said Mbalula.

Meanwhile, during a press briefing, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, had addressed a controversial visit from Jacob Zuma to the Guptas in which he was accompanied by the South African High Commissioner, Anil Sooklal.

There is footage circulating that Zuma expects to make his return to political power due to the religious blessings that he received when visiting the temple.

Ntshavheni describes the visit as disgraceful for a former head of state who is also the leader of his own party. She also expressed her disdain for Sooklal’s involvement with wanted fugitives such as Ajay Gupta.

 Ntshavheni also highlighted that this was not the first time that Zuma had embarked on foreign travelling which had undermined the country’s foreign policy.

 She expressed that this visit by Zuma is perceived as a “middle finger” to the country as the Gupta brothers are wanted criminals by the South African Government for corruption and state capture charges.

 “You are aware that there are privileges extended to former heads of state, but the government is entitled to refuse those privileges if they are abused to undermine the law of this republic” said Ntshavheni.