Cape Town – Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie says African unity can only be achieved if countries take responsibility for their own citizens and properly regulate cross-border movement, insisting that South Africa is “not a refugee camp for Africa.”
He made the remarks during Africa Day celebrations in Moruleng in the North West on Monday, where he defended his stance on illegal immigration and rejected accusations that South Africa is xenophobic.
According to IOL, McKenzie argued that the country is instead dealing with the consequences of undocumented migration, which he said places strain on jobs, housing, healthcare, and other public services.
“We are not a xenophobic country. We love foreigners, but we hate it when they come here illegally,” he said.
McKenzie added that genuine African unity would not be possible if governments failed to take responsibility for their citizens and allowed uncontrolled movement across borders.
“There will be no African unity if governments do not take responsibility for their citizens. South Africa is not a refugee camp for Africa,” he said.
AFRICA DAY | Minister Gayton McKenzie says there can be no African unity if countries do not take responsibility for their own citizens. He adds that African unity must not be based only in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/ZIFKCyGHRT
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 25, 2026
He emphasised that foreign nationals who enter South Africa legally and contribute skills are welcome, but maintained that illegal migration undermines public trust and service delivery.
Drawing comparisons with other countries, McKenzie said South Africans are expected to respect immigration laws abroad. “When you go to Botswana, you stand in line and stamp your passport. When you go to China or Europe, there are laws. Why must ours not be respected?” he said.
He further argued that many South Africans are facing unemployment and poor service delivery, which he linked to undocumented migration, saying citizens’ concerns are often overlooked in public debate. “We must listen to our people. We cannot have leaders standing on podiums while people are suffering on the ground,” he said.
McKenzie also criticised former president Thabo Mbeki, saying leadership should reflect the lived realities of ordinary citizens rather than elite or academic perspectives.
He added that many South Africans continue to face hardship, including unemployment and limited access to housing and healthcare, while undocumented migrants also compete for scarce resources.
Speaking to the SABC, McKenzie warned young people against being drawn into violence, saying illegal foreigners should be deported through lawful processes. “You have your whole bright future ahead of you, don’t commit a crime… don’t let people instigate you to attack illegal foreigners, illegal foreigners must go back home and they will go back home,” he said.
You have your whole bright future ahead of you, don’t commit a crime, it will affect your future, don’t let people instigate you to attack illegal foreigners, illegal foreigners must go back home and they will go back home. I see a lot of young ppl are being instigated. Resist!! pic.twitter.com/X4kaogBVnp
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 26, 2026
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
