Controversy erupted online after Patriotic Alliance (PA) member Victoria Africa called for the deportation of several Zimbabwean-born stars, including Nadia Nakai, Sha Sha, and Peter Ndoro, in a video that quickly went viral. The clip, which surfaced on social media this week, shows Africa demanding that foreigners—whether legally in South Africa or not—leave the country, reigniting debates over immigration, xenophobia, and the treatment of artists in the local entertainment industry.
In the video, Africa, who serves in the PA Women’s League and is aligned with Operation Dudula, singled out musicians and media personalities for criticism. She questioned why Zimbabwean-born artists were allowed to succeed in South Africa, implying that their presence undermines opportunities for local talent.
“We’re also coming for the likes of Peter Ndoro, who said we cannot present our own shows? Who said we lack such a skill?” Africa said. “Their musicians, the likes of Nadia Nakai, she must go back to her country and represent her Zimbabwean people. Zimbabweans don’t have celebrities because all their people are in South Africa.”
Her remarks mirrored sentiments previously expressed by Operation Dudula’s Zandile Dabula, with Africa echoing the assertion that South Africans are tired of being “overshadowed by foreigners” in media and entertainment spaces. The PA, led by Gayton McKenzie, has long championed stricter immigration laws and the deportation of undocumented foreigners. However, Africa’s public comments have drawn sharp criticism online, with many calling her statements xenophobic, divisive, and potentially dangerous.
On social media, users condemned Africa’s remarks, highlighting the contributions of the artists she targeted. “This is not activism; it’s hate speech dressed up as politics,” one user wrote on X. Another added, “What has Nadia Nakai done except create great music and represent both her heritages proudly?”
Indeed, the artists mentioned have well-documented ties to South Africa while maintaining pride in their heritage. Nadia Nakai, born to a South African father and Zimbabwean mother, has previously spoken about her dual heritage and her decision to build her career in South Africa, where she has become a household name in hip hop and pop culture. Similarly, Sha Sha, the amapiano vocalist known for hits like Tender Love, was born in Zimbabwe but has cultivated a strong following in South Africa, earning recognition for her contributions to the local music scene.
PA Member Victoria Africa Sparks Outrage Over Deportation Comments Targeting Zimbabwean Artists
Peter Ndoro, a veteran broadcaster of Zimbabwean origin, has long been a respected presence on South African screens, representing professionalism and credibility in media. The suggestion that these legally working artists should be deported sparked widespread concern among fans and industry insiders alike.
The PA and Operation Dudula have repeatedly positioned immigration as a core element of their political platforms, often advocating for foreign nationals to return to their home countries to “build their own nations.” While immigration policy is a legitimate area of debate, civil society actors and watchdog groups have cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric that targets specific communities or individuals.
The viral video has reignited discussions about xenophobia in South Africa, a country that has experienced multiple waves of violence against foreign nationals in recent years. Social commentators have warned that such statements could contribute to societal tension and even inspire acts of hostility against foreign-born residents, particularly in sectors like entertainment and media where visibility and influence are high.
Organizations such as the SA Human Rights Commission have repeatedly emphasized the importance of responsible public discourse. They argue that public figures and political representatives must avoid language that could incite fear, division, or discrimination, especially against legally resident foreigners contributing positively to society.
While Nadia Nakai, Sha Sha, and Peter Ndoro have not publicly responded to Africa’s remarks, the clip continues to circulate widely online, drawing concern from fans, industry peers, and advocacy groups. The backlash underscores the delicate balance between political messaging and respect for diversity, highlighting the potential consequences when rhetoric crosses into xenophobic territory.
As the conversation continues, civil society, entertainers, and commentators are urging political figures to exercise restraint, promote unity, and recognize the contributions of foreign-born artists who enrich South Africa’s cultural landscape. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding immigration debates, public discourse, and the responsibility of leaders to avoid fueling division in a nation still grappling with its history of xenophobic violence.
