It didn’t take long for political sparks to fly after a Zimbabwean activist took aim at a top South African police figure.
And now, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba is pushing back—hard.
Mashaba, never one to mince words, has publicly threatened to deport Rutendo Matinyarare, a controversial activist from Zimbabwe, if ActionSA wins power in the upcoming national elections.
Not only does he want Matinyarare out—he says the activist would be banned from ever coming back.
What Triggered This Political Clash?
The heated exchange came after Matinyarare openly criticized General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accusing him of failing to deal with crime in South Africa’s police force.
His comments, posted on social media, sparked an immediate and fierce response from Mashaba.
Calling Matinyarare’s remarks disrespectful, Mashaba accused him of crossing a line—particularly as a foreign national weighing in on South African affairs.
Mashaba Makes His Position Clear
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mashaba didn’t hold back.
He wrote:
“If ActionSA comes to power, Rutendo Matinyarare will be one of the first foreign nationals to be deported and permanently barred from re-entering this country.”
He went on to describe Matinyarare as “toxic” and said South Africa should not offer the privileges of residency to those who “disrespect South Africans.”
Immigration and National Identity Take Center Stage Again
Mashaba’s remarks have reignited a familiar and deeply sensitive debate in South Africa—the role of foreign nationals in the country’s political and social issues.
ActionSA has long taken a strong position on immigration, and Mashaba’s latest comments are consistent with his party’s messaging.
This situation has once again highlighted the fine line between freedom of speech and national sovereignty, especially when it comes to outspoken individuals from outside the country weighing in on local leadership.
What Do You Think About Mashaba’s Presidential Chances?
With comments like these, Mashaba is making it clear that immigration and national pride will be central themes in his campaign.
But are South Africans buying into it?