Christian preacher and theologian Zakhe Mazibuko has issued a powerful challenge to xenophobic vigilantes, declaring that he will stand on the opposite side of their planned march on June 30 to protect innocent children and legal foreign nationals.
In a passionate address, Mazibuko questioned the hostility of anti‑immigrant groups like “March and March,” asking why disagreement has become dangerous in a democracy. “When did we get to a country where we can’t debate and disagree?” he said, drawing parallels to apartheid‑era repression when black people were punished for dissent.
He condemned the cruelty of mobs who attack legal foreigners, including those who show valid documents. “You know how it felt when your father was humiliated in public under apartheid. How are you celebrating the same humiliation of an innocent person?”
Mazibuko also defended children born in South Africa to foreign parents, noting they know no other home. He accused the government and home affairs officials of complicity in illegal immigration, asking why vigilantes don’t “burn home affairs” or hold law enforcement accountable instead of victimising legal residents.
“On the 30th of June, when you go out to march, I will be on the other side protecting innocent children and legal foreigners. You’ll have to go through me,” he vowed.
Watch the full video below.
@officialzakhemazibuko Am I going to get cancelled? #foreigners #southafrica #africa ♬ original sound – officialzakhemazibuko
