EFF calls on Ramaphosa to act against Gayton McKenzie over xenophobic remarks

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action against Minister Gayton McKenzie if he is serious about addressing alleged xenophobic attacks in the country. Ramaphosa addressed the nation on migration and border management amid concerns over growing anti-illegal immigration sentiment.

EFF Member of Parliament Sam Matiase said the President should act against members of his Cabinet accused of promoting anti-foreigner sentiment. Matiase stated, “The President might as well be guilty of what he has called to try to explain. Because, in his cabinet, he harbors xenophobes, he harbors Afrophobes who are known to have embarked prior to elections and now on what is called Abahambe, a brigade that is made out of former convicts. Now we are calling on the president to act against those ministers who continue to fend this Fires of hatred and act against Minister Gayton Mckenzie.”

In response, Minister Gayton McKenzie said there can be no African unity if countries do not take responsibility for their own citizens, adding that African unity must not be based only in South Africa.