Article re-cap
- ActionSA condemned the City of Cape Town for committing municipal funds to the repatriation of undocumented migrants days after a 48% MyCiTi fare increase.
- Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis was named as the City official who indicated willingness to fund the transportation of undocumented migrants.
- ActionSA argued the same logic the City applies to policing, that it is a national responsibility funded by SAPS, should apply equally to repatriation costs.
- The party proposed overhauling the MyCiTi funding model and a phased pathway towards fare-free weekday travel.
ActionSA has condemned the City of Cape Town's decision to fund the repatriation of undocumented migrants following a 48% increase in MyCiTi bus fares.
The political party criticised the City for committing municipal funds towards the transportation of undocumented migrants. This decision follows recent MyCiTi fare hikes which the City attributed to rising diesel costs and insufficient support from national government.
ActionSA Cape Town Mayoral Candidate Dereleen James MP stated that the repatriation of undocumented migrants is a function falling within the mandate and financial responsibility of national government. The party said it supports the enforcement of immigration laws but rejects the expectation that ratepayers should subsidise these costs.
The statement was issued by Stephan Gerber, ActionSA Cape Town Spokesperson, on 2 July 2026. It named Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis as the City official who indicated the municipality would fund the transportation of undocumented migrants.
The 48% fare increase impacts workers, students, and families who rely on public transport as a lifeline. ActionSA argued that the City cannot justify fare increases due to financial constraints while simultaneously funding functions outside its municipal mandate.
Under its plan to make Cape Town affordable again, ActionSA proposed overhauling the MyCiTi funding model to prevent hikes caused by fuel shocks and national funding gaps. The party also intends to expand MyCiTi into underserved communities and reprioritise spending toward core local government responsibilities.
The party stated that responsibilities for repatriation should be executed by the national Department of Home Affairs rather than municipal ratepayers already stretched to breaking point. ActionSA also drew a comparison with the City's longstanding position that policing and crime prevention fall under SAPS and are therefore a national responsibility, arguing the same logic should apply to repatriation costs. ActionSA proposed a phased pathway towards fare-free weekday travel on MyCiTi as part of its reform strategy.
This follows earlier local coverage of MYCiTi Bus Fares Rise Up To 45% Starting July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who issued the ActionSA statement condemning the City of Cape Town?
The statement was issued by Stephan Gerber, ActionSA Cape Town Spokesperson, on 2 July 2026.
Which City official indicated Cape Town would fund migrant repatriation?
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis indicated that the City was prepared to fund the transportation of undocumented migrants.
What comparison did ActionSA draw to support its argument on repatriation costs?
ActionSA drew a comparison with the City's longstanding position that policing and crime prevention fall under SAPS and are therefore a national responsibility, arguing the same logic should apply to repatriation costs.
What is ActionSA's proposed alternative for MyCiTi funding?
ActionSA proposed overhauling the MyCiTi funding model to prevent fare hikes caused by fuel shocks and national funding gaps, expanding the service into underserved communities, and pursuing a phased pathway towards fare-free weekday travel.
Source: polity.org.za, politicsweb.co.za
