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Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie says African unity can only be achieved if countries take responsibility for their own citizens and regulate cross-border movement, insisting that South Africa is “not a refugee camp for Africa.”
McKenzie made the remarks during Africa Day celebrations in Moruleng, North West, on Monday, where he defended his position on illegal immigration and rejected claims that South Africa is xenophobic.
He argued that South Africa is instead facing the consequences of undocumented migration, which he said places pressure 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 African unity could not be achieved if governments failed to take responsibility for their own 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.
He said foreign nationals who enter South Africa legally and contribute skills were welcome, but stressed that illegal migration undermines public trust and service delivery.
McKenzie pointed to international examples, arguing that South Africans respect immigration laws when travelling 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 said South Africans were experiencing unemployment and service delivery challenges, which he linked to undocumented migration, arguing that citizens were often ignored in the 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 public concerns rather than academic or elite perspectives.
He said ordinary citizens are facing hardship, including unemployment and lack of access to housing and healthcare, while undocumented migrants also compete for limited resources.
McKenzie maintained that African unity must begin with discipline within individual countries, saying nations must “unite their own people first” before expecting continental cooperation.
He further argued that migration without documentation undermines both governance and stability, insisting that law enforcement must be applied consistently.
McKenzie reiterated that South Africa supports African unity, but only under lawful conditions.
“We want foreigners to come here the way we go to your countries,” he said.
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