The South African landscape is once again grappling with the complex interplay of crime, migration and socio-political tensions, as Sports Minister Guyton McKenzie seeks to clear up allegations of xenophobia against the nation. cape {city} etc. Report.
Amid a crime crisis that has rocked communities, McKenzie defended South Africa's stance and highlighted what he believed to be double standards fueling outrage over violence against foreigners.
(a thread) I have had several calls from fellow ministers from other African countries inquiring about alleged xenophobic attacks SA is currently experiencing and dealing with high violent crime rates. We are working hard to reduce the daily numbers.
– Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) 3 May 2026
In a series of posts on 'I have received a number of calls from fellow ministers in other African countries inquiring about alleged xenophobic attacks.' He said.
'SA is currently experiencing and dealing with high violent crime rates. We are working hard to reduce the daily numbers.
After protests in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, escalated in late April, video of protesters marching against civilians in Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania drew strong international condemnation.
Ghana, Nigeria and the African Commission immediately condemned the protests, suggesting that the events point to a disturbing trend in the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.
However, McKenzie questioned selective outrage in relation to the violence, saying, 'The same people who show great concern about the deaths of illegal aliens do not say a word about the many deaths of South Africans at the hands of illegal aliens,'
According to figures for the end of 2024, approximately 11% of South Africa's prison population are foreign nationals, a figure McKenzie used to strengthen his argument. 'Those who argue against this need to explain why illegal aliens make up nearly 20% of our prison population. There is not a single country that will or should allow this, why are we expected to do this?' he claimed.
With a strong claim, McKenzie did not refrain from declaring that 'Illegal aliens have destroyed the democratic gains made by our fight against apartheid.' People living without documents are being urged to consider returning to their home countries.
'There couldn't be a better time than now to go back home,' He concluded.
Last week, the Ministry of Police strongly condemned the recent attacks targeting Ghanaians and other foreign nationals in South Africa and warned that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law.
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The Police Ministry has warned that those suspected of xenophobia will face arrest and prosecution
Picture: Frannie Shivambu/Gallo Images