Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has ignited fierce national debate after claiming illegal immigrants enjoy protection from powerful institutions during a charged community meeting in Eldorado Park.
“Undocumented foreigners are shielded by influential foundations, law societies and media houses,” McKenzie declared. “Raise this issue and you’re attacked from all sides – but I won’t be silenced. ‘Mabahambe’ must happen.” The Afrikaans phrase, meaning “they must go,” drew cheers from the crowd.
The former convict-turned-politician accused civil society of prioritizing “imported sympathy” over struggling South Africans: “Our youth, athletes and artists get sidelined in their own country while we’re gagged with human rights talk.”
The remarks drew swift condemnation. The Legal Resources Centre called them “dangerously inflammatory,” while the Helen Suzman Foundation warned against “divisive rhetoric.” Media watchdogs defended journalists’ role in balanced migration reporting.
Illegal foreigners in SA are protected by very powerful Foundations, News Media, Law Societies etc, once you touch this subject, you will be attacked on all front but ek baiza nie, Mabahambe!!!!!!
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) June 6, 2025
Yet McKenzie’s message resonated in working-class communities. Pretoria West activist Peter Moatshe said: “He’s saying what many believe but fear to express. We welcome legal migrants, but illegal immigration worsens crime and unemployment.”
Political analysts suggest the comments signal election-year positioning as the country approaches by-elections. The Presidency remains silent on the minister’s controversial stance.
The episode has forced South Africa to confront its perennial immigration debate with renewed intensity – framing it as either courageous truth-telling or reckless populism depending on perspective. As tensions simmer, McKenzie appears determined to keep this thorny issue center stage.
