ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has reacted strongly to reports that a group of Zimbabwean nationals allegedly performed traditional rituals on a Durban beach, saying such practices should not be carried out in public spaces or in ways that disrupt South African cultural norms.
Mashaba questioned why the rituals suddenly required a beach, pointing out that Zimbabwe itself has no coastline. “I fail to understand how their rituals will now require a beach when there was never a beach in Zimbabwe,” he said, adding that his concerns are raised “in good faith and intentions.”
I fail to understand how their rituals will now require a beach when there was never a beach in Zimbabwe. I am raising this matter in good faith and intentions.
When you get people coming into our country, it is important that they do not interfere with our own way of life. It… https://t.co/fPDzBtHQpR— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) December 12, 2025
He argued that while South Africa remains a welcoming country, those who come into the country must respect local customs and social practices. “When you get people coming into our country, it is important that they do not interfere with our own way of life. It is their duty to assimilate into our own rituals,” Mashaba stressed.
The ActionSA leader said he is not opposed to anyone practising their beliefs, but insisted it must be done privately and without disrupting public order. “If they want to perform their own rituals, please do them privately in their own homes, not in public to disrupt our own way of life,” he added.
Mashaba’s comments sparked mixed reactions online. Supporters praised him for defending South African traditions, while critics accused him of fuelling xenophobic sentiment. Some argued that various South African groups also perform rituals at beaches, questioning why foreigners were being singled out.
The debate has reignited broader national discussions about immigration, cultural coexistence, and the boundaries of public behaviour.