Herman Mashaba has vowed to take a tough stance against undocumented foreign nationals, a position that has sparked sharp debate across South Africa.
The ActionSA leader and Johannesburg mayoral candidate said the party intends to make life difficult for undocumented immigrants if it takes control of the city following the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Mashaba was officially elected as the party’s candidate on Saturday, 21 February 2026, as he seeks to return to lead Johannesburg, where he previously served as Executive Mayor.
What Mashaba said
Speaking to eNCA journalist Heidi Giokos, Mashaba said South Africans must accept the need to remove undocumented foreigners from the country.
He described illegal undocumented foreigners as a liability to the nation and said ActionSA would hold Home Affairs accountable.
“I am going to lead that charge. We are going to hold Home Affairs accountable. We are going to make life hell for illegal, undocumented foreign nationals,” Mashaba said.
He added that they would ensure those in the country illegally understand they are not welcome in the city.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has vowed ‘hell’ for undocumented migrants. Mashaba was named the party’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg in the upcoming Local Government Elections, after previously serving as JHB mayor from 2016 to 2019.
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Operation Fix Joburg launched
During his acceptance speech, Mashaba announced the launch of Operation Fix Joburg — a plan built around five priorities aimed at turning the city around.
The third priority focuses on restoring law and order, with Mashaba highlighting issues such as hijacked buildings, cable theft, illegal connections, drug syndicates, and organised criminal networks as major threats to the city’s future.
He said undocumented foreign nationals operating outside the law would not be welcome under an ActionSA-led administration.
“This city belongs to its residents. And the rule of law will be restored in every part of it,” he said.
South Africans divided
Mashaba’s remarks have triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some users praising his tough stance on immigration while others criticised the rhetoric as divisive.
The debate highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration policy, service delivery pressures, and economic challenges, which remain among the most politically sensitive issues in the country.
