“For the sake of absolute clarity, I wish to place on record that my recent public remarks expressing support for US President Donald Trump and the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were made in my capacity as President of the Patriotic Alliance, not in my capacity as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Matters of immigration, border control, home affairs, and foreign policy do not fall within my ministerial portfolio. Since joining the Government of National Unity (GNU) as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, I have respected Cabinet discipline, and I do not speak on behalf of government on these issues. I believe in the GNU and the good it is doing for our country, and I am proud to be part of this GNU. We have overseen a drop in inflation, a rise in tourist numbers, the strengthening of the rand, the demise of load shedding, improved investor sentiment, and so much more – while the best is yet to come.
That said, it is important to be absolutely clear: the Patriotic Alliance’s position on illegal immigration has not changed, and will not change. The PA remains firm in its belief that illegal immigrants must be deported en masse, that South Africa’s borders must be heavily reinforced and defended, and that the rule of law must be applied without hesitation. We said Abahambe before we entered government, and we still say Abahambe today.
Being part of government does not mean abandoning the principles that earned us the trust and support of our voters. While I respect that there is a prevailing government position that currently holds sway within the GNU, I will not sell our voters short or pretend that our views have softened simply because we now occupy seats in government.
As leader of the Patriotic Alliance, I support strong and decisive enforcement-led approaches to illegal immigration, including those pursued under President Trump and through ICE, because I believe that sovereign nations have both the right and the responsibility to control their borders, to enforce their laws, and to protect their citizens.
These views are consistent with the mandate given to the Patriotic Alliance by the South African people. They are not new, they are not hidden, and they are not negotiable.
As Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, my focus remains firmly on delivering on my portfolio and contributing constructively to the work of the GNU. As President of the Patriotic Alliance, I remain true to the policy positions, language, and principles that define our movement.
I hold both roles openly, honestly, and without apology.”
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