South African singer, Makhadzi, has expressed concerns over the safety of Tshivenda and Tsonga-speaking people ahead of the planned national shutdown on June 30.
Image: Instagram
South African award-winning singer Makhadzi, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, has voiced concerns about the planned national shutdown organised by anti-illegal immigration group March and March, prompting widespread debate on social media.
The musician took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her worries about the protest action scheduled for June 30, particularly regarding the safety of Tshivenda and Tsonga-speaking South Africans.
Makhadzi explained that her concerns were sparked by videos circulating online, including one showing a Zulu-speaking man asking a Venda-speaking man to produce identification.
In a follow-up statement, the singer apologised to those who were offended by her initial comments and clarified that she was not attempting to make a political statement.
“My lovely South African, I would like to clarify that I am not a politician and I might not have stated my mind in a good manner because English sometimes is a problem ...,” she wrote.
“But I am really sorry for those who were affected by my previous post. I made my previous post because I was worried about most of the videos we see online, that when you speak Tshivenda, they get to doubt that you are a South African citizen.”
Makhadzi said she found it troubling that some South Africans appear unfamiliar with Tshivenda and may mistakenly associate the language with foreign nationals.
“You can imagine in your country someone asking for your ID because you look a certain way and your language is not familiar with others that they know,” she said.
The singer further expressed concern for Tshivenda-speaking South Africans living and working in Gauteng, particularly those who may not speak English.
“As we all look forward to June 30, I am really worried about our people who are working in Gauteng who don’t know English and can only speak Tshivenda,” she said.
“Because by the videos we see online, it shows that our brothers from other tribes are not really familiar with our language, and when we speak, mostly from the videos I have watched, it’s like Tshivenda is a foreign language, hence they end up asking for IDs.”
She added that her concerns stem from what she believes is a lack of exposure to different South African languages and cultures.
“How are we going to deal with this whole situation on the 30th? We must go around with IDs or what, because there are already videos online where they attack foreigners. There’s always a Venda or Tsonga person involved, being asked to prove their identity.”
Concluding her statement, Makhadzi once again apologised and acknowledged that she could have approached the issue differently.
“I am so sorry once again to all my people who were offended. We learn every day. Next time, I will keep quiet until I find a good way to approach any situation and the looming June 30 deadline for illegal foreigners to leave the country.”
Makhadzi’s comments sparked mixed reactions online, with some social media users supporting her concerns while others criticised her stance.
X user @ZuluElimnyama wrote: “We hear you. Believe me, a South African can see a South African. Ask those who travel. It is so painful, people are trying to come between the two tribes.”
Meanwhile, @thulidlamini47 said: “Your concern is very much valid because there are people who love violence who are ready to take this to the extreme. These marches are not about violence and looting; they are about highlighting the immigration crisis in our country.”
Others felt the singer was diverting attention from broader concerns around illegal immigration.
@rebelreloaded commented: “We’re losing focus here. The only time most of our celebrities seem to speak up is when they want to nitpick the issue. We’re in a situation that disadvantages all of us, whether you’re Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana or Venda.”
The user added: “June 30 is not a declaration of war on illegal foreigners. We’re simply asking the government to take this matter seriously.”
Similarly, @kylerose10111 questioned why Makhadzi had chosen to speak out now.
“All of a sudden, Makhadzi has a voice. Where was this energy when we cried about drugs, human trafficking, food poisoning, illegal mining and unemployment caused by illegal foreigners? Or do you only know how to speak when triggering tribalism?”
Despite the controversy surrounding the planned demonstration, March and March has confirmed that it will proceed with its nationwide shutdown on June 30.
The anti-illegal immigration movement has been staging protests since its formation in early 2025, calling on the government to take stronger action against illegal immigration.
The organisation is demanding urgent government intervention and the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants living in South Africa.
As the planned shutdown approaches, public debate continues around immigration, national identity, language diversity and the potential impact of the demonstrations on communities across the country.