McKenzie against children of illegal immigrants being placed in SA schools

Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie and crime activist Ian Cameron have called for children of illegal immigrants not to be allowed in South Africa’s schools. 

The sentiments come as many learners have not yet been placed in Gauteng schools, with some parents alleging undocumented learners are given preference over them as locals and people who reside within the feeder zone they had applied in. 

SHOULD CHILDREN OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BE ALLOWED IN SCHOOLS? 

Central Karoo Mayor Gayton McKenzie, whose stance is unequivocal regarding illegal immigrants, took to Twitter to express his opinion on the matter. 

“All children of illegal foreigners shouldn’t be allowed in our schools in South Africa; Home Affairs should visit all schools before we do. This is nonsense; we must now explain to South African parents why their children cannot be placed in schools; we warned you,” he wrote. 

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All children of illegal foreigners shouldn’t be allowed in our schools in South Africa, Home Affairs should visit all schools before we do, this is nonsense, we must now explain to South African parents why they children cannot be placed in schools , we warned you.

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) January 11, 2023

Crime activist Ian Cameron also shared the same sentiments. 

“I fully agree with @GaytonMcK that all children of illegal foreigners shouldn’t be allowed in our schools in South Africa,” he wrote. 

I fully agree with @GaytonMcK that all children of illegal foreigners shouldn't be allowed in our schools in South Africa.

— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) January 12, 2023

Department of Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said a 2019 court order states that children of illegal immigrants must be placed in schools.

“Until there are changes, the department will comply with the court order,” he said. 

Mhlanga said all other provinces are done with learner placements, and Gauteng is the only province currently facing challenges. 

“The major challenge in Gauteng is overcrowding; people from other countries and provinces are moving into the big city and demanding space. It’s not like the system is not working; the system has placed everyone that should be placed.”

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