Protest leader Ngizwe Mchunu has elbowed the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, describing him as a failed politician over his stance on South Africa’s growing illegal migration debate.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Mchunu accused Malema of failing to stand with South Africans demanding stronger action against illegal immigration, arguing that the issue is about enforcing the law rather than targeting foreign nationals.

“Julius Malema is the number one failed politician that will never exist in the future. He has ignored his own brothers and sisters in the name of holding on to the hope of illegal immigrants,” Mchunu said.

The remarks come as illegal migration remains one of South Africa’s most contentious political issues, with growing public pressure on the government to tighten border controls, improve immigration enforcement and deport undocumented migrants.

Mchunu rejected accusations that protests against undocumented migrants amount to xenophobia or Afrophobia.

Responding to questions about why protesters focus mainly on African migrants rather than asking white residents to prove their immigration status, he insisted the campaign is directed solely at people living in the country illegally.

“This is not Afrophobia. All we are saying is that illegal immigrants must return to their countries. We are serious about our country,” he stated.

He argued that governments across the world are adopting stricter immigration policies and said South Africa should do the same.

“Even international countries have joined South Africa. Germany and the United Kingdom are reacting towards illegal immigrants. What is happening in different countries is not called xenophobia,” the protest leader said.

Illegal immigrants go home?

Mchunu said his movement wants undocumented migrants to be assisted to return to their home countries through cooperation between South Africa and neighbouring governments.

“When they are gathered in different campsites and cities, we ask our government and their governments to help them go back home. They should never come back here illegally,” he said.

The protest leader also appealed for national unity, urging South Africans to express differing opinions peacefully instead of allowing the issue to divide communities.

“We are pleading to the nation not to divide us. People must share their opinions through the media, on social media or by calling us, but we are serious about this campaign,” Mchunu urged,

Mchunu further claimed that illegal immigration poses security risks, alleging that some violent crimes have been committed by undocumented migrants. He cited several historical cases that he said demonstrate the dangers of weak immigration enforcement, although he did not provide evidence linking broader migrant populations to crime.

“There is no country on earth that can allow illegal immigrants to do as they please,” he said. “We are still fighting this because we believe South Africans deserve to feel safe.”

Illegal immigration has become an increasingly prominent issue ahead of South Africa’s political debates, with political parties and civic groups sharply divided over how the government should balance border security, law enforcement and the protection of migrants’ human rights.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly cautioned against equating undocumented migration with criminality, arguing that immigration enforcement should remain consistent with domestic law and international human rights obligations.