SOUTH African activist Nkosikhona ‘Phakelumthakathi’ Ndabandaba has dismissed claims that he forced people out of South Africa, insisting he does not know where such accusations originate and urging anyone making them to provide evidence.
This was said by Ndabandaba yesterday following his visit to the Mbabane Bus Rank on Tuesday, where he made an unexpected appearance and met members of the public who took pictures with him and showed excitement at seeing him.
Ndabandaba also made an appearance during the main day of the Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony where he also granted interviews to the media.
Ndabandaba stated that he had never forced anyone out of South Africa, including Emaswati, but asked that people ensure their documents were in order and that they were in South Africa legally.
He said he had not forced out any Liswati, Zimbabwean or Nigerian from South Africa, but maintained that people should not be in South Africa illegally or by using informal border crossings.
Ndabandaba is popularly known as being one of the leaders of South Africa’s March and March, a prominent anti-illegal immigration movement co-led by figures such as Jacinta Ngobese Zuma.
“Emaswati know me because of my videos. I always record what I do and my videos serve as evidence. Those who say I forced people out of South Africa should bring evidence, because I always go live, record what I do and post it on social media,” he said.
He added that many accuse him of being rude, while he was simply communicating the message that people should respect other countries. He said if there was anyone he had forced out of South Africa, there should be a video, as he posts everything on his page.
Ndabandaba said he had never confronted a Zimbabwean, Liswati, Nigerian, or Mozambican. Regarding Emaswati, he said their relationship was first paved by King Zwelithini and is now upheld by King Misuzulu. He stressed that visitors to South Africa must have the necessary documentation.
“We have a relationship with Emaswati. We just want people to uphold the rule of law and respect other countries. You cannot enter a country illegally. Whoever says we have done something wrong should bring evidence, because we never forced anyone out of South Africa,” he said.
Ndabandaba added that South Africa should be respected like any other country. He said there was not a single video showing them forcing Emaswati out of South Africa. He mentioned that he would be going to Zimbabwe next week.
He acknowledged that people there were angry, but stated he would enter legally, just as he did in Eswatini. He said people should respect other countries and follow their laws, noting that it was disrespectful to enter through informal crossings without proper documentation.
When asked about his visit to the bus rank, Ndabandaba said he experienced no challenges, as he was simply interacting with locals. He bought items from vendors at the Mbabane Bus Rank as a way of supporting Emaswati.
He said the people were happy to see him and he was equally happy to engage with them. He explained what they were doing in South Africa regarding illegal immigration and how he had entered the country. He said he used his passport to gain entry into Eswatini and was carrying his documents.
“I have been given a specific number of days at the border to be in the country, so I was just interacting with the people and there were no challenges at the rank,” he said.
Meanwhile, a bus rank marshal Themba Dlamini said there was order at the rank, with Emaswati showing excitement at meeting Ndabandaba because of his role in South Africa’s immigration issues, as they asked for pictures with him. He noted that some locals questioned his presence, claiming he had forced Emaswati out of South Africa.
He said Ndabandaba responded by explaining that he never forced Emaswati out and those accusing him should present evidence.
Ndabandaba also said he was in the country because Zulus and Emaswati share a way of life, which was why he attended Umhlanga.
“Some also asked him how they could remove illegal immigrants in the country and he explained that the system of governance, different from that of South Africa. People think differently, some believe foreigners should leave, while others are learning from them. Emaswati struggle with businesses because relatives ask for credit, collapsing them.
Some of us feel forcing foreigners out will be difficult, as our children work in these shops and we are still learning from them. We have learnt a lot from Mozambicans and women now know they can sell things, no matter how small. What Phakelumthakathi told us gave insight into what is happening in South Africa,” he said.
