After addressing Panyaza Lesufi directly, controversial former Ukhozi FM host Ngizwe Mchunu called for illegal foreign nationals to leave the country, reigniting discussion.
During continuing public discussions related to immigration enforcement and demonstrations in certain areas of Johannesburg, Mchunu made the comments. Current enforcement tactics are inadequate, he argued, and the government must take firmer steps to remove illegal immigrants.
Mchunu told Lesufi in his message that community conflicts and service strains are both caused by the presence of unauthorised foreign nationals. According to him, the provincial government must give this matter immediate political attention.
These remarks are made in the midst of a public uproar in Gauteng, where organisations like the March and March Movement have been holding demonstrations to demand stronger immigration regulations. Unemployment, housing insecurity, and lack of access to public services have been the main points of discussion during these meetings.
Many people have posted Mchunu’s comments on social media, which has led to both praise and condemnation. His backers say he’s only expressing universal feelings of dissatisfaction, while his detractors say his divisive rhetoric will only serve to inflame xenophobic feelings.
As of this writing, Mchunu has not received a formal answer from the provincial government of Gauteng. On the other hand, authorities have repeatedly stressed that basic human rights should be accorded to all citizens regardless of their nationality and that immigration issues should be resolved in accordance with the law and the Constitution.
Authorities have also stressed time and again that communities should not resort to confrontation but rather report issues through official means; they have also advised against vigilante action and the targeting of foreign nationals.
Because it intersects with larger socioeconomic difficulties, immigration is still a very delicate subject in South Africa. According to experts, influential people have a big impact on public discourse, and they warn that provocative language can make communities that are already divided even more so.
Questions such as whether or not government, community, and civil society interaction can alleviate growing tensions in Gauteng and how the provincial leadership will react to renewed demands for stronger immigration enforcement are topics of ongoing debate.
