South African activist Victoria Africa, who serves as the Deputy Secretary for Women’s Affairs in the Patriotic Alliance party, is under fire after publicly calling for the deportation of Zimbabwean-born celebrities including musicians Shasha and Nadia Nakai, as well as veteran broadcaster Peter Ndoro.
In a viral social-media video, Victoria Africa accused the trio of “taking opportunities meant for South Africans,” demanding that they be sent back to Zimbabwe. “We don’t want foreigners to represent us; we have our own talented people,” she declared, while questioning why South African media continues to employ or celebrate foreign nationals.
Her remarks sparked widespread outrage online, with many users condemning the statements as xenophobic and divisive. Critics argued that all three individuals have legally built their careers in South Africa and have contributed positively to the entertainment and media industry.
One X (Twitter) user wrote, “Operation Dudula was supposed to target undocumented people, not hardworking artists like Nadia and Shasha.” Another commented, “Peter Ndoro has been a respected broadcaster for years; this hate speech helps no one.”
Social commentators have since warned that such rhetoric fuels tension between South Africans and other African nationals at a time when unity and collaboration are needed in the creative industry.
Despite the backlash, Victoria Africa has stood by her remarks, insisting that she is “speaking for South Africans who are tired of being sidelined in their own country.”
