Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has distanced the Government of National Unity (GNU) from claims that Pakistani nationals are being encouraged to relocate to South Africa and that 15,000 trained Jewish individuals from Israel are currently in the country.
The remarks came in response to questions raised by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament Thandiswa Marawu, who sought clarity on whether the department endorsed or agreed with comments allegedly made by an individual advocating for the migration of Pakistani nationals to South Africa while also claiming that “15,000 trained Jews from Israel” were present in the country.
The claims have sparked debate around migration, foreign relations, and xenophobia, prompting calls for greater scrutiny of public statements that may fuel misinformation or social tensions.
To unpack the issue and examine its broader implications, VOC News spoke to Dale McKinley of Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX).
Photo: @RonaldLamola/X
