Prof Thuli Madonsela asks SA to be honest about anti-foreigner sentiments

Posted on June 30, 2026
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Image: X / @ThuliMadonsela3

Human rights activist Professor Thuli Madonsela urged South Africans to be honest with themselves regarding the anti-illegal immigration protests, emphasising that hate was not the answer.

Also see: Government on high alert ahead of anti-immigration protests

Prof Thuli Madonsela addresses South Africans

The advocate took to her X account on 30 June 2026, the same day anti-illegal immigration protesters proposed that undocumented foreign nationals return to their home countries.

“Can we be honest and agree that the anti-foreigner sentiments are rooted in unaddressed economic and social wants that are plaguing Black communities, exacerbated by uncontrolled immigration?” she wrote.

“Can we be honest that townships and Black rural areas are bearing a disproportionate share of the uncontrolled inflows and consequent socio-economic pressures that such inflows place on economic opportunities, housing, and shared public services such as schools and hospital spaces, water, and electricity?”

She posed another question to South Africans, asking if they could admit that the absence of a national economic policy framework seeking to reverse colonial and apartheid disablement of rural and township economic ecosystems and related livelihoods was a major contributory factor.

“If you harm anyone or anyone’s property, that is a crime and you must and will go to jail. Stay safe and disciplined.”

Also see: Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma stands her ground in heated cross-border immigration debate

Professor’s comments divides South Africans

While some local social media users sided with the professor, others showed how they were for the protests taking over South African streets.

“I like your independent mind and for always promoting the truth above all things,” commented @Madziba6.

@asa_mbuku added their opinion, “I have been saying rich people and politicians must just sit this conversation out because it’s clear they cannot put themselves in our shoes. All they tell us is that illegal immigration is an economic issue or poor governance, not emphasising that it’s criminality to be in a country without proper documents. We, Black people, are tired of living in fear in our country by illegal foreigners. What is hard to grasp in this?”

“Prof, do you have a problem with the words ‘illegal migration?’” asked @mbalis_bakery.

@botha_mba, who agreed with the professor, stated, “People are focusing their frustrations on the symptoms and not the cause. Foreigners are not the problem. The root cause is unaddressed economic imbalances and corruption.”

Also see: Makhadzi’s apology after immigration protests comment divides Mzansi

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