MKP blasts RAF for 'paying billions' to foreigners
The MKP has blasted the government for paying billions to foreign nationals through the RAF, calling it proof of SA’s ‘fundamental immigration and border control failure’ and vowing to introduce legislation to stop the practice.
A report in The Citizen notes Transport Minister Barbara Creecy disclosed that foreign nationals have lodged more than R23.3bn in claims with the RAF over the past five years.
The figures, revealed in response to a parliamentary question, showed the RAF system does not distinguish between documented and undocumented claimants, raising concerns about oversight.
‘As at 31 March 2026, the total Rand value claimed on foreigner-related claims that were lodged over the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2026 was R23 323 568 682.’
However, Creecy said the figures referred to claims lodged with the RAF and not the actual amount paid out by the fund.
She said the R23.3bn represents the total value claimants hoped to receive.
MKP spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said the revelation was ‘shocking’ and underscored government’s neglect of citizens.
He accused the ANC‑led GNU of demonising civic organisations that raise service delivery concerns, instead of securing borders and fixing Home Affairs.
‘While South Africans wait years for payouts and the RAF claims to be insolvent, billions are being claimed by people who are not even supposed to be in the country,’ Mahlangu said.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
