Her remarks on immigration and inequality clash with father Jacob Zuma’s recent stance on foreign traders, reigniting debate in South Africa

 Thuthukile Zuma, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has waded into the country’s heated debate on immigration, economic hardship and the treatment of African migrants, firmly rejecting xenophobia and the labeling of Africans as “illegal.”

In a strongly worded statement, Thuthukile said she “strongly detests xenophobia,” arguing that South Africa’s deep-rooted challenges—poverty, inequality and landlessness—would persist regardless of whether foreign nationals leave the country.

“No African is illegal in Africa. If you believe that an African can be illegal in Africa then you are not a revolutionary,” she said. “We must reject the notion of an illegal foreigner. Africans can be undocumented but they cannot be illegal.”

She further challenged anti-immigrant sentiments by pointing to issues of class and privilege, asking: “If you could afford to live where you like, work where you like, take your children to any school and enjoy a family dinner at your favourite restaurant, would you care that a Zimbabwean is your waiter?”

Her comments have drawn attention partly because they appear to contradict the position recently expressed by her father, now leader of the MK Party. Jacob Zuma had raised concerns about foreign nationals occupying local trading spaces—remarks that have been widely debated.

It was noted that the elder Zuma’s stance marks a shift from his time in office, when he publicly condemned xenophobic violence and called for unity across the continent.

Critics argue that his recent rhetoric reflects political expediency amid growing economic frustrations, while supporters say it addresses genuine concerns about local livelihoods.

Thuthukile Zuma’s intervention has added a new dimension to the conversation, highlighting divisions even within prominent political families, as South Africa continues to grapple with migration, inequality and social cohesion.