South African entertainers have added their voices to the growing public reaction following anti-immigration protests and unrest in parts of the country.
Unrest spreads across Durban and Soweto
Videos showing vehicles set alight in the Durban CBD and Soweto have been widely shared online as tensions surrounding illegal immigration continue to rise.
The protests followed heightened debate over the Department of Home Affairs’ asylum-policy directive, which was withdrawn on Friday. Police carried out walkabouts in affected areas in an effort to ease tensions and restore order.
Celebrity voices join the conversation
Gospel artist Sbu Noah, actor Clement Maosa and musician Aubrey Qwana were among the well-known South Africans who commented on the situation.
- Sbu Noah warned that public anger appeared to be escalating after seeing footage from the protests.
- Aubrey Qwana urged people not to remain silent, despite concerns that speaking out could affect professional opportunities.
- Clement Maosa was also among the celebrity figures weighing in on the unfolding events.
Noah wrote: “Are you guys seeing the videos? People are angry! It’ll get worse. Our government creates these problems and are always the last to react, if at all.”
Aubrey Qwana calls for action
Qwana said he could not simply ignore what was taking place. He suggested that some people were reluctant to speak because their bookings and work opportunities came from those involved.
“Others are afraid of talking because some of the bookings come from these people. Let’s wake up, let’s stand up. If you have a voice, use it. We are doing it for the future generations. We can’t allow this to happen in our own backyard,” Qwana said.
The singer stressed that, while he is an artist, his identity as a South African comes first.
“I may be an artist, but before everything else, I’m proudly South African,” he said.
He ended his message with a call for unity: “Let’s come together and fight.”
