Johannesburg – ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has unleashed a fiery tirade against what he calls South Africa’s transformation into a “dumping ground” for unwanted immigrants, following Ireland’s deportation of 60 Nigerians back to the country last week.
The group, primarily failed asylum seekers and individuals with expired visas, arrived at OR Tambo International Airport amid tight security. Irish officials confirmed the charter flight was part of a broader crackdown on illegal migration, with South Africa serving as the repatriation hub due to the deportees’ documented origins. This marks the latest in a series of European returns, including similar flights from the UK and Germany in recent months.
Mashaba, a staunch advocate for stricter border controls, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to vent his fury. “South Africa is NOT a dumping ground for the world’s rejects! While our people suffer unemployment and crime, Europe offloads its problems on us. Where is Home Affairs? This is a national security crisis!” he posted, garnering over 50,000 likes and shares within hours.
Critics of the current government point to porous borders and lax enforcement under Minister Leon Schreiber as enablers of such incidents. ActionSA has demanded an urgent parliamentary inquiry, accusing authorities of failing to verify deportees’ status before acceptance. “We welcome genuine refugees, but not criminals and economic opportunists,” Mashaba added during a press briefing in Sandton.
Data from the Department of Home Affairs reveals over 10,000 deportations to SA in 2025 alone, straining resources in an economy already grappling with 32% unemployment. Opposition voices, including the DA, echo Mashaba’s call for biometric screening and bilateral agreements to halt involuntary returns.
As public outrage builds, Mashaba vows to escalate the fight: “No more! South Africa first.” Will Ramaphosa’s administration act, or continue turning a blind eye?