By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie rejected the claims that South Africa is xenophobic, while acknowledging growing public frustration over illegal immigration.
McKenzie was speaking at the Africa Day celebrations held at Moruleng Stadium in North West Province.
The 11th edition of Africa month was celebrated under the theme: “Sports and Culture, Catalysts for Climate Action”
May marks Africa month – a moment for the continent to pause, reflect, and celebrate our unique African identity and cultural expression. Africa Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), founded on 25 May 1963.
This Africa Month 2026 program is the 12th edition, and it is implemented as South Africa celebrate 32 Years of Democracy and 30 years of the Constitution.
McKenzie addressed the growing debate surrounding immigration and accusations of xenophobia.
“South Africa is facing many false allegations. They say we are a genocidal country, which is untrue. Another accusation is that we are xenophobic and hate foreigners. That is also false,” McKenzie said.
“Our people are not overreacting when they express frustration on this matter. It is unacceptable that South Africans face unemployment and poor service delivery while illegal migrants continue to benefit from basic services,” he said.
McKenzie further called on African leaders to take responsibility for the welfare of their own citizens rather than relying solely on South Africa.
According to the Minister, meaningful African unity cannot be achieved while illegal immigration remains a major challenge for the country. He concluded his address by reiterating calls for undocumented migrants to return to their countries of origin.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola on Saturday reiterated the government’s opposition to attacks against migrants, saying the government remained firmly opposed to any attacks targeting foreign nationals.
He was hosting Southern African Development Community Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, noting that he had been engaging with several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi, to address concerns over the safety of their citizens.
Lamola acknowledged that South Africa faces challenges related to illegal migration and undocumented foreign nationals, stressing that immigration laws should only be enforced by authorized law enforcement agencies.
Former President Thabo Mbeki warned that rising anti-immigrant sentiment threatens both the country’s constitutional values and broader African unity.
Speaking ahead of Africa Day, Mbeki said economic hardship and unemployment should not be used to scapegoat migrants, calling on political leaders, civil society organizations, and communities to reject divisive rhetoric and work together to address migration and economic challenges peacefully.
Safety concerns also affected diplomatic participation in this year’s Africa Day celebrations.
The security cluster ministers held urgent talks Monday to address tensions over illegal migration as protesters again demanded that undocumented foreign nationals be made to leave the country.
These engagements are aimed to establish rules of engagement in protests, but also to discuss the government initiatives and approaches in dealing with the serious problem of illegal immigration.