By 
CAPE TOWN — In a decisive move to counter rising social tensions, Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has formally welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s latest national address, signalling strong alignment within the Government of National Unity (GNU) on immigration while pivoting the focus sharply toward urgent economic structural reform.
A Rejection of Scapegoating
Responding to the President’s address on Sunday evening, Hill-Lewis lauded Ramaphosa’s explicit declaration that South Africa’s deep-seated economic challenges stem from a lack of job creation and growth, rather than the presence of foreign nationals. Framing the current environment as a “dangerous moment for our country,” the DA leader issued a stern warning against the dangers of xenophobia.
“South Africans must reject xenophobia, uphold our constitutional values, and never allow anger over hardship to become violence against vulnerable people,” Hill-Lewis stated, emphasizing that the rule of law must prevail over vigilantism. He further called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of any individuals—including political figures—who incite violence or stoke hatred for electoral gain.
Strengthening the State, Securing Borders
While denouncing unlawful violence, Hill-Lewis maintained that public frustration regarding immigration remains a valid issue that requires robust state intervention rather than mob justice. He pledged the DA’s full support for lawful initiatives within the GNU aimed at securing borders and rectifying broken immigration systems.
In particular, Hill-Lewis spotlighted the ongoing efforts of Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. He credited Schreiber’s ministry with doing vital work to tighten lawful immigration controls, enhance documentation accuracy, and reinforce border security to restore public confidence.
The Real Remedy: Growth and Jobs
However, the DA leader made it clear that tighter border security is only a partial fix. According to Hill-Lewis, the true antidote to South Africa’s recurring social crises is a comprehensive overhaul of the economy.
He urged the GNU to aggressively accelerate economic reforms to stimulate investment and job creation. The DA’s prescription for the national government includes:
- Cutting bureaucratic red tape to unlock commercial opportunities.
- Fixing critical infrastructure to support industrial growth.
- Fostering a business-friendly environment where millions of unemployed citizens can find meaningful work.
Proving the Blueprint
Leveraging the party’s governance record, Hill-Lewis pointed to DA-led municipalities as the blueprint for national recovery, citing their focus on clean administration, reliable service delivery, and safer communities as catalysts for investment.
As the GNU navigates this delicate political terrain, the DA’s stance signals a dual strategy: unwavering support for institutional law enforcement coupled with relentless pressure on its coalition partners to deliver the economic growth South Africans desperately need.
