Gayton McKenzie Calls for Deportation of Illegal Immigrants, Cites Economic and Social Concerns

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Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has renewed his call for the deportation of illegal immigrants in South Africa, declaring, “Abahambe” (let them go). McKenzie, who also serves as the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, argues that undocumented foreigners are taking jobs from South Africans and contributing to economic losses, particularly through unpaid VAT.

In an interview with BizNews, McKenzie claimed that illegal immigrants dominate sectors such as the restaurant industry in Cape Town, leaving many South Africans unemployed. He also accused employers of preferring foreign workers due to their lack of rights and union representation. “It’s not about South Africans not wanting to work. It’s your racism that you are hiding, preferring foreigners because they have no rights,” he said.

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McKenzie further alleged that some illegal immigrants enter South Africa after being released from prisons in their home countries, such as Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. He expressed concern over their impact on public services, including healthcare and housing. “The people that don’t have medical aid must stand in line, and there are 10 Zimbabweans ahead of them,” he stated.

The PA leader also criticised the housing system, claiming that foreign nationals are occupying spaces on RDP housing lists meant for South Africans. He reiterated that 12% of South Africa’s prison population consists of illegal immigrants, describing the situation as “not normal.”

McKenzie’s comments come ahead of the 2026 local government elections, where the PA plans to focus on deporting illegal immigrants, particularly those working in restaurants and accessing healthcare services. “Next year, when we start the campaign, we are coming to all businesses hiring illegal foreigners. We are going to give you South Africans to work there,” he warned.

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