Television actor Tumisho Masha has joined a growing number of South African public figures rejecting claims that South Africans are xenophobic, arguing that criticism of illegal immigration is being unfairly framed as hatred toward foreigners.
The former Isidingo thespian made the remarks in a video clip that he posted on social media yesterday.
In the clip, which Africa Daily has seen, Masha pushed back strongly against what he described as a misrepresentation of South Africa’s stance on migration.
“We’re painted as xenophobic, as lazy, as a nation that simply hates other Africans,” he said, adding that this portrayal does not reflect who South Africans are.
He pointed to South Africa’s regional and continental role over the years, including peacekeeping deployments and support for neighbouring countries, arguing that the country’s history contradicts the xenophobia label often used in international discourse.
“This is not who we are,” Masha said, referencing South Africa’s involvement in peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and support for Mozambique in its fight against terrorism.
However, he stressed that humanitarian values must be balanced with what he called practical state capacity, pointing to economic and social pressures facing the country.
“Compassion cannot replace capacity,” he said, highlighting unemployment, strained hospitals, overcrowded schools and pressure on policing resources.
Masha argued that these conditions have contributed to growing public concern about illegal immigration and border management, insisting that such concerns should not automatically be dismissed as xenophobia.
He defended the principle of state sovereignty and law enforcement, saying governments have both a right and responsibility to control their borders.
“That’s not hatred. That’s government,” he said, while emphasising that enforcement of immigration laws is a standard expectation of sovereign states.
Masha also questioned what he described as uneven international responses to crises across the continent, citing conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and insurgencies linked to Boko Haram.
He argued that African countries must address their internal governance challenges rather than relying on others to absorb displaced populations indefinitely.
“The solution is for every African government to build a country its own people don’t have to flee,” he said.
The actor further warned against what he described as external narratives shaping how South Africa is perceived internationally, saying the country must be careful not to allow its image to be defined by others.
“If we stay silent, others will tell our story for us,” he said.
While rejecting violence and xenophobia, Masha insisted that calling for border enforcement does not make South Africans hostile.
“We reject hatred, but we also reject the lie that defending our borders makes us bad people,” he said.
He encouraged peaceful civic engagement, including protest, but urged restraint and non-violence.
“Go out there and march… but do it peacefully,” he said, ending his remarks with a call for unity and calm in public expression.
