PICTURE: GALLO IMAGES/ (Oupa Bopape)
Veteran actor Israel Matseke-Zulu has found himself at the centre of a heated online debate after sharing his views on illegal immigration amid growing anti-illegal immigration marches in parts of South Africa.
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Israel Matseke-Zulu causes controversy
The award-winning actor addressed the issue in a video shared on social media, where he stressed that while the African philosophy of Ubuntu encourages compassion and humanity, it should not be used to justify unlawful behaviour.
“We are Africans, and Ubuntu is part of who we are. But Ubuntu has limits when people break the law,” Israel said in the video.
His comments come as conversations around illegal immigration continue to dominate public discourse, with protests taking place in several communities calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Speaking in the video shared by ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, Israel said although he sees other Africans as his brothers and sisters, they should enter the country legally.
“I have been to Zimbabwe three times, and tomorrow we are leaving. I can’t go to a foreign country and build a shack or open a spaza shop.” He also added that the Mzansi people are very welcoming, hence the practice of Ubuntu. However, he stated that this has compromised South Africa.
The spirit of Ubuntu has its limits
pic.twitter.com/AHKk7XaBiu— Put South Africa First (@LvovoSA) July 6, 2026
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A national conversation
Illegal immigration remains one of the country’s most debated issues, often drawing strong opinions from political leaders, community organisations, and members of the public. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the government has repeatedly stated that it is working to strengthen border management while improving immigration enforcement through lawful processes.
At the same time, human rights organisations, including Amnesty International South Africa, have cautioned that efforts to address illegal immigration should not result in discrimination, xenophobia or violence against foreign nationals. According to the organisation, all people, regardless of their immigration status, are entitled to their fundamental human rights.
As the debate continues, Israel’s comments have added another prominent voice to an already complex national conversation, with supporters and critics alike weighing in on where compassion, accountability and the rule of law should intersect.
While opinions remain divided, the discussion underscores the importance of engaging with the issue respectfully and recognising the distinction between concerns about unlawful immigration and attitudes toward migrants as a whole.
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