Podcaster calls for South Africans to 'get armed'

Prominent South African podcaster and commentator Penuel Lungelo Mlotshwa has sparked controversy after calling on South Africans to become "organized and armed" amid escalating tensions over illegal immigration and growing anti-immigrant sentiment in the country.

Mlotshwa, who hosts the popular podcast *KONVO*, formerly known as *Penuel The Black Pen*, made the remarks in a lengthy social media post in which he apologised for what he described as previously "flip-flopping" on the issue of illegal immigration.

The comments come at a time when South Africa is experiencing heightened tensions around immigration, with anti-immigrant protests, allegations of xenophobia, Afrophobia and ethnophobia, as well as sporadic incidents of violence and looting drawing attention both locally and internationally.

In his statement, Mlotshwa argued that illegal immigration had become a significant concern for many South Africans and criticised political leaders whom he accused of failing to address the issue.

"The source of South African people's illegal immigration issues is the government, specifically the ANC and EFF, and a few others," he wrote.

He acknowledged that he had previously attempted to present multiple perspectives on the immigration debate but said he now believed he had underestimated the frustrations experienced by some South Africans.

"I apologize for trying to play both sides. I was trying to show humanity and understanding to a very complicated issue," he said.

Mlotshwa argued that his personal circumstances had insulated him from some of the socioeconomic pressures faced by poorer communities.

"But the reason I could do this was because I'm privileged. I live in a secure complex. I don't have to worry about illegal foreigners competing with how I make my money," he wrote.

The most controversial part of his statement came when he called on South Africans to organise themselves and arm themselves to defend what he described as their interests.

"South Africans need to get organized and armed... so they can fight for what's right, even if it means fighting their government, that is getting increasingly more oppressive to the people," he wrote.

The remarks have raised concerns among observers who warn that calls for people to arm themselves can inflame tensions and increase the risk of violence, particularly in an already polarised environment.

At the same time, Mlotshwa sought to distinguish between criticism of illegal immigration and hostility towards foreigners generally. He urged critics to focus on individuals who openly promote xenophobia rather than targeting all South Africans who support stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

He also criticised foreign leaders whom he accused of failing to address the reasons their citizens migrate to South Africa, while condemning South Africans who raise concerns about illegal immigration.

The immigration debate has become one of South Africa's most contentious political issues, with supporters of stricter immigration controls arguing that undocumented migration places pressure on public services, employment opportunities and law enforcement resources.

Human rights organisations, however, have repeatedly warned against rhetoric that could stigmatise migrants or contribute to violence against foreign nationals.

South African authorities have consistently stated that immigration challenges should be addressed through lawful enforcement measures and not through vigilantism or attacks on foreign nationals.

The latest comments are likely to fuel further debate over immigration policy, public safety and political leadership as South Africa grapples with complex economic and social challenges that continue to shape public attitudes toward migration.