South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, , has reiterated his stance that illegal immigrants should leave the country, while strongly condemning calls for violence against foreign nationals.
Speaking on the contentious issue of illegal immigration, McKenzie drew a firm line between enforcing immigration laws and encouraging vigilante action. He warned that those advocating violent removals are placing young South Africans at risk of arrest and imprisonment.
“Those who say we must chuck foreign nationals out through violence must do it with their children so they can go to jail. They must leave our children alone,” McKenzie said.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing national debate over illegal immigration, border security and the pressure placed on public services, employment opportunities and local communities. While McKenzie maintained that undocumented migrants should not remain in South Africa unlawfully, he stressed that the matter must be handled through lawful processes rather than mob action.
His comments reflect a position that has increasingly gained attention in public discourse: support for stricter immigration enforcement without resorting to violence or xenophobic attacks.
McKenzie argued that encouraging young people to confront foreign nationals in the streets is reckless and irresponsible. According to the minister, individuals who advocate such actions are often unwilling to face the legal consequences themselves, while ordinary youths bear the risks.
The statement is likely to resonate across a politically charged landscape where immigration has become a major issue ahead of future policy debates and electoral campaigns. South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of violence targeting foreign nationals over the years, prompting repeated calls from government leaders, civil society groups and law enforcement agencies for disputes to be addressed through legal and constitutional channels.
While emphasizing that immigration laws must be respected, McKenzie insisted that solutions must come through government institutions and law enforcement authorities rather than community-led violence.
His remarks underscore the delicate balance between addressing public concerns over illegal immigration and preventing the escalation of tensions that could threaten social cohesion.
As debate over immigration continues, McKenzie’s message was clear: enforce the law, but reject violence.
“Leave our children alone,” he said, warning that those promoting unlawful actions should be prepared to accept the consequences themselves rather than encouraging others to take the risk.