SA govt allowing undocumented aliens' children in schools

The South African government has been commended for resisting calls to remove undocumented migrant children from schools, despite recent pressures from locals and opposition politicians advocating for their deportation.

In recent weeks, South African opposition leader Herman Mashaba has been vocal about the issue, condemning the government's directive to allow children of undocumented foreigners, including Zimbabweans, to attend schools in the country.

However, for the 2025 academic year, the South African Department of Basic Education has maintained its stance, ordering that all learners, regardless of their documentation status, be admitted to schools.

Gabriel Shumba, legal director at Global Immigration and Legal Consultancy, praised the government's decision, highlighting its adherence to fundamental rights.

"We should give plaudits where the government respects fundamental rights, especially those of children. The foundation of South Africa's Constitution is that the Bill of Rights protects citizens and all those that live in it. This is in consonance with regional and international laws," Shumba said.

Shumba emphasized that South Africa's legal framework, including the Children's Act and the Constitution, prioritizes the rights and best interests of the child in all circumstances. He recalled that during the struggle against apartheid, many South Africans were educated in Zimbabwean institutions, and this historical context should influence present-day policies.

"This approach has to be welcomed, and we urge other African countries to respect the rights of children of school-going age in this fashion," he added.

Mashaba, however, has remained firm in his opposition, arguing that the country cannot afford to strain its already limited resources for undocumented learners. Speaking on South Africa's national broadcaster SABC, he stated:

"We live in a country where a huge percentage of our public schools, particularly in poor areas, are dilapidated, in an environment where we do not have teachers, where our education system is dire."

Mashaba's Action SA party has been outspoken about what they perceive as the strain on public services due to undocumented migrants, and he has insisted that undocumented learners should not be allowed access to South Africa's schools.

Despite these debates, the government's directive reflects a commitment to inclusivity and the protection of the rights of children, as established by South Africa's Constitution and reinforced by judicial rulings.