Penuel speaks on illegal foreigners in SA
Well-known podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa has revived an engaging debate online following his remarks regarding undocumented immigrants in South Africa.
The vocal commentator shared a detailed post on X (formerly known as Twitter), where he expressed his empathy towards illegal foreigners, a viewpoint that garnered significant attention and various responses.
Mlotshwa acknowledged that his opinions may be divisive, admitting he does not consider himself an impartial voice of frustrated South Africans.
He attributes his viewpoint to his own life experiences.
“When it comes to illegal foreigners in South Africa, I’m compromised. I am honestly not a fair voice for ordinary South Africans who are upset and directly affected by them,” he wrote.
“I genuinely admire a lot of them who came here to hustle a better life for themselves. They do the dirtiest jobs that pay the worst wages.”
The podcaster explained that his perspective is shaped by the belief that many immigrants find themselves in circumstances they did not choose, influenced by factors such as historical borders and governance issues in their native countries.
“I sympathise with them because they didn’t choose to be born in their home countries. They didn’t choose the colonial borders,” he added.
Mlotshwa also mentioned that he regularly meets undocumented immigrants, many of whom are followers of his content.
These encounters often lead to deeper discussions regarding leadership failures across Africa.
“A lot of them are fans of my videos and posts. I meet them daily, and we chat about the corruption of African leaders and the fights amongst Africans due to poor leadership,” he noted.
While he defended the immigrant population, Mlotshwa clarified that he does not condone unlawful activities. He asserted that his support does not extend to those engaging in serious crimes.
“A lot of them are genuinely good people and don’t commit serious crimes. I hate those who rape, kill, steal, traffic and sell drugs,” he said.
He also highlighted what he views as double standards among some South Africans, arguing that many derive benefits from the very immigrants they criticize.
“I also note the hypocrisy of many SAns who buy from them, hire them, rent to them, and have relationships with them,” Mlotshwa said, drawing parallels between foreign nationals seeking work and South Africans migrating from areas like Limpopo and the Eastern Cape.
In conclusion, the podcaster argued that the focus should not be on immigrants but rather on tackling corruption within governmental systems.
He asserted that the crisis is fueled by issues at the borders and within Home Affairs, in addition to corrupt officials and institutions.
