At the main Youth Day celebration held at Nasrec, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie delivered a strongly worded address touching on immigration, governance, and public sentiment regarding undocumented foreign nationals.
McKenzie stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa was, in his view, “the first one to listen to us when we said we do not want undocumented foreigners,” a remark that drew attention from attendees and observers given the sensitivity of immigration debates in South Africa.
The event, part of the national observance of Youth Day, was held at Nasrec in Johannesburg and brought together government officials, youth formations, civil society groups, and members of the public to reflect on the legacy of young people in the country’s struggle for freedom and ongoing socio-economic challenges.
Gayton McKenzie used the platform to emphasise what he described as growing frustration among citizens over undocumented migration and its perceived impact on employment opportunities, service delivery, and public resources. He argued that government responsiveness to such concerns was necessary to restore public trust and stability.
While reiterating his stance, McKenzie framed the issue within broader calls for accountability and effective border management, suggesting that public concerns should be taken seriously by policymakers. His remarks come amid ongoing national debates about immigration enforcement and socio-economic pressures affecting communities across South Africa.
The minister’s comments are likely to spark further discussion, as immigration remains a highly contested issue within South African political and public discourse. Critics of such positions often caution against rhetoric that may deepen divisions, while supporters argue that stricter enforcement is necessary to address illegal migration and associated challenges.
The Youth Day gathering at Nasrec also featured discussions on youth unemployment, education, and economic empowerment, aligning with the broader national agenda of addressing the needs of young people more than three decades after the end of apartheid.
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has not yet issued an official statement elaborating on McKenzie’s remarks at the event.
The celebration concluded with calls for unity, national development, and greater inclusion of young people in decision-making processes shaping South Africa’s future.