In a statement on the migration debate, Mbalula said groups operating “under an anti-immigrant banner” had attempted to paralyse parts of the country at the end of June but failed to achieve their objective. Rights groups estimate that more than 160,000 African migrants have fled affected areas since March, while at least four people have been killed and many others assaulted or robbed. Mbalula stressed that immigration enforcement must remain the responsibility of the state rather than vigilante groups. He said authorities had deported around 72,000 undocumented migrants, but warned employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers that they were depressing wages, undermining tax revenues and fuelling community tensions. Against that backdrop, Mbalula said the ANC’s proposed Continental Compact on Migration sought to address migration through lawful enforcement, regional cooperation and economic development rather than fear, division and violence.