Professor Alan Hirsch, Senior Research Fellow at the New South Institute and Emeritus Professor at the University of Cape Town, was interviewed on SAfm’s The National Briefing on Monday, 8 June 2026, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address on illegal migration and anti-foreigner protests.

The discussion focused on the government’s management approach to illegal migration and the recent surge in protests against foreign nationals. It raised critical questions about enforcement, labour market regulation, human rights, economic pressures, and South Africa’s obligations under the rule of law.

Professor Hirsch reflected on the practical challenges of turning the President’s commitments into effective implementation. He noted that many of the measures outlined by President Ramaphosa (including stronger enforcement of immigration and labour laws, improved border management, action against corruption in immigration systems, and reforms to documentation) depend heavily on the state’s administrative capacity.

A key theme in the interview was the importance of looking not only at undocumented migrants, but also at the employers and economic systems that make irregular migration exploitable. President Ramaphosa’s address highlighted businesses that employ undocumented workers under poor conditions and below minimum wage. Professor Hirsch emphasised that any credible response must therefore include stronger labour inspection, enforcement against abusive employers, and fair regulation of the labour market.

At the same time, Professor Hirsch cautioned against treating migration as the main cause of South Africa’s economic difficulties. While illegal migration is a real governance challenge, unemployment, poverty, and pressure on public services are rooted in deeper structural problems. The long-term response must include economic growth, investment, job creation, and more capable public institutions.

The interview also reflected themes central to NSI’s Migration Governance Reform Program, which examines how South Africa and the wider region can build migration systems that are lawful, effective, humane, and economically sustainable.

Listen to the full interview on SAfm’s The National Briefing.