One Minister Is Keeping Quiet, Another Is Making Headlines

Political tensions are once again attracting attention in South Africa following fresh criticism directed at government ministers over their handling of immigration-related issues and growing public frustration.

A political commentary circulating on social media has questioned the contrasting public approaches of Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi of the African National Congress (ANC).

The commentary suggested that while Schreiber has maintained a relatively low public profile amid the heated immigration debate, Kubayi has found herself at the centre of controversy following her remarks and the government’s response to the March and March movement.

The latest developments have reopened discussions about political leadership, public accountability and how government representatives should communicate with frustrated communities.

Kubayi recently attracted considerable attention following a viral doorstep interview at the ANC’s Siyanqoba Rally in the Eastern Cape. The controversy involved a question from SABC journalist Samkele Maseko, who used the phrase “squeezed like cranberries” when asking about the March and March movement.

However, the Justice Ministry subsequently clarified that Kubayi did not personally use those words, despite claims circulating on social media suggesting otherwise.

On 6 November 2026, the ministry announced that Kubayi intended to pursue legal action against a Facebook account operating under the name Baas Kruger over what it described as repeated false allegations, cyberbullying and disinformation.

The controversy comes against the background of growing public debate about illegal immigration, border management and the government’s ability to address concerns raised by South African communities.

Meanwhile, Schreiber has also faced significant public scrutiny over his department’s immigration policies.

In October 2026, Home Affairs defended its implementation of a Constitutional Court judgment concerning the processing of asylum applications. The department insisted that it was constitutionally required to comply with the court’s ruling and rejected claims that the decision automatically granted citizenship to asylum seekers or legalised undocumented foreign nationals.

The department also announced that it would refer an alleged disinformation campaign surrounding the judgment to the Electoral Commission of South Africa.

These developments have placed both ministers in the middle of a politically sensitive national conversation.

While some South Africans want stronger action against illegal immigration, others have warned against inflammatory political statements and the targeting of foreign nationals.

The latest criticism highlights the difficult position facing government leaders as public frustration continues to grow.

Ultimately, the debate raises an important question about political accountability: how should ministers respond when their decisions and public statements become the centre of national controversy.

https://x.com/MadiBoity/status/2119106724493746340?s=19

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