Cde Deputy N Mokoena: South Africa Must Put Its People First

South Africa is facing a crisis that many politicians are afraid to discuss honestly. Across our country, millions of citizens remain unemployed, communities are struggling with crime, municipalities are collapsing under poor governance, and basic services such as water provision continue to deteriorate.
The Batho Movement believes that the first responsibility of any government is to protect and improve the lives of its own citizens. This is not xenophobia. It is a principle of responsible governance and national accountability.
The Free State continues to experience severe unemployment challenges. Nationally, South Africa’s official unemployment rate remains above 30%, one of the highest rates in the world. In Dihlabeng Local Municipality, unemployment has historically remained extremely high, with official figures showing an unemployment rate of approximately 28.7% and youth unemployment close to 39%. Thousands of residents remain without work opportunities while many families struggle to survive.
For decades, Dihlabeng has welcomed people from different regions and countries. Many have contributed positively to the local economy and community life. However, Batho Movement believes that illegal and undocumented immigration presents challenges that cannot be ignored. Every sovereign nation has the right and responsibility to know who enters its borders, who resides within its communities, and whether immigration laws are being respected.
The case of convicted Bethlehem drug dealer known as CJ highlighted concerns surrounding criminal syndicates operating within local communities. While criminality should never be associated with entire nationalities or groups of people, the case demonstrated the importance of effective law enforcement, border management, and intelligence gathering to protect communities from organised crime.
Residents across Dihlabeng continue to raise concerns regarding drug trafficking, illegal activities, and increasing pressure on public resources. Communities already suffering from unemployment and poverty often feel abandoned by authorities who fail to enforce existing laws.
At the same time, Dihlabeng has faced serious service-delivery challenges, including concerns regarding water infrastructure, governance failures, and allegations of corruption involving municipal officials. These failures have directly affected residents who depend on reliable access to clean water and functioning municipal services.

The Batho Movement believes that South Africa’s challenges cannot be solved through slogans or political correctness. We need accountable government, secure borders, professional law enforcement, economic growth, and a clear commitment to prioritising the wellbeing of South African citizens.
We reject xenophobia because violence against innocent people solves nothing. At the same time, we reject lawlessness and illegal immigration. Every person living in South Africa should be documented, accountable to the law, and respectful of the country’s regulations.
National security, community safety, economic opportunity, and service delivery are interconnected. When government loses control of its borders, fails to create jobs, and allows corruption to flourish, ordinary citizens pay the price.
Batho Movement therefore calls for:
• Stronger border management and immigration enforcement.
• Professional and accountable law enforcement agencies.
• Aggressive action against drug syndicates and organised crime.
• Investment in job creation for South Africans.
• Transparent and corruption-free municipalities.
• Reliable water, sanitation, and electricity infrastructure.
• A government that places the interests of South Africans first.
South Africa belongs to all who live in it legally and peacefully, but government must never forget its primary responsibility: to serve and protect its own citizens.

Issue by: Department of Media, Publicity and Communications