A mayoral candidate, Ntsiki Mazwai, ignited controversy after she spoke out in defense of foreign nationals, who had been blamed for contributing to extended waiting times at public hospitals.
Her comments were published just days following a resurgence of anti-illegal immigration demonstrations that had taken place across South Africa in July 2026.
Many South Africans questioned her position, with some suggesting that her remarks might jeopardize her electoral support in Alexandra Township.
Ntsiki Mazwai offered her perspective on the underlying causes of delays at public medical facilities.
The mayoral hopeful, Ntsiki Mazwai, became the focal point of an intense online discussion after she disputed assertions that foreign nationals were to blame for prolonged queues at South African public hospitals.
The poet and social analyst, who recently declared her intention to run for mayor of Alexandra Township, used the platform X on Thursday, July 16, 2026, to tackle what she termed ‘misinformation.’ Mazwai had previously posted about the necessity of shortening waiting periods at public institutions, leading a user, @kgopotsonale, to highlight a perceived inconsistency in her statements, commenting:
“When people do this, you call them names. Ao bo tsibinki bona mara.”
Ntsiki Mazwai voiced her support for foreign nationals regarding hospital queues.
Her subsequent reply garnered significant notice. Mazwai stated that, based on her personal observations, the extensive queues she encountered primarily consisted of South Africans, and she attributed the actual problem to obsolete administrative systems rather than foreign nationals. She elaborated, contending that foreigners make a beneficial economic contribution by sometimes paying more than local citizens.
“To be honest with you, I hate that you guys make up stats and stories to suit your narrative. In the long queues I was in, it was mainly South Africans. The long queues are owing to outdated systems and no use of modern data capture systems…..NOT because of foreign nationals. In fact, foreigners pay MORE than us and contribute to the cash flow. So pls just Stop It. Stop It,” she wrote.
These remarks came several weeks after the March and March Movement, spearheaded by activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, orchestrated a national shutdown on June 30, 2026, to demonstrate against illegal immigration. A subsequent series of protests occurred on July 9 and 10. Those who supported these demonstrations claimed they had alle
South Africans questioned Ntsiki Mazwai following her defense of foreign nationals.
The public swiftly reacted to Mazwai’s online statement, resulting in a stark division of opinions.
Here are some of the comments:
@TheGeneral_ZA directly disputed her rationale:
“How are they making up stats when they are telling you their lived experience? Are you at the same rural clinics they are in!!! So, in the same light, should we say you are making up stats because where you went the queues are not bad!!! This kind of thinking is exactly why you will never smell a single vote from any sane South African!!”
@Validator365 provided more temperate counsel:
“I support the cause of wanting to resolve the SA problems, and getting your hands dirty, getting in and being part of the solution. Please listen to South African issues without being dismissive, or else it will end before it starts. its important to listen first, acknowledge the concerns, and then help resolve the issues. Otherwise, good luck and all the best.”
@BanothileMabida cautioned voters:
“People must never make the mistake of voting for a party that prioritises illegal foreigners over us. Please, people, we know the damage caused by foreigners in our communities. Please just remember that.”
@mphomof1981 queried whether the statistics Mazwai cited accurately represented the situation on the ground:
“Another soon-to-be politician who dismisses people’s experiences with stats from questionable institutions. If I may ask, which clinic was that? Did you see a foreigner pay?….yes they should be paying more on paper, but are they?(illegals’ ones)”
South Africans responded to Ntsiki Mazwai’s remarks concerning hospital waiting lines.
Ntsiki Mazwai’s statements regarding immigration caused division among the public.
This incident was not the first occasion Ntsiki Mazwai had provoked controversy with her opinions on foreign nationals.
It was previously reported that Ntsiki Mazwai encountered criticism on social media for her immigration comments, just days after she declared her intention to run for Mayor of Johannesburg.
The outspoken activist and musician outlined her mayoral agenda, which encompassed guaranteeing water and electricity for citizens, immediately garnering backing from some of her supporters.
