19 August 2023
In the midst of ongoing debates surrounding the presence of foreign nationals in South Africa, a recent tweet by Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has reignited discussions about the diverse contributions made by individuals from abroad. McKenzie’s tweet, which questioned whether there were any positive deeds carried out by illegal foreigners in the country, has prompted a call to acknowledge the good alongside the challenges.
Taking to Twitter on Saturday, August 19th, McKenzie posed a question that resonates with those who share his concerns about the impact of unauthorized foreign residents. “Please highlight any good being done by illegal foreigners in South Africa? Please show us what we are missing, because we see only bad and destruction caused by them,” the tweet read. McKenzie’s stance is consistent with his prior vocal critique of the presence of foreign nationals within the nation.
The debate quickly caught the attention of the online community, sparking diverse responses that reflected differing perspectives on the topic. While some users shared his sentiments, others advocated for acknowledging the positive actions of foreign nationals, even in the face of their questionable legal status.
One Twitter user responded, “To be honest even the good won’t matter.” This sentiment reflects the view that any positive contributions would not necessarily mitigate the concerns raised by the presence of illegal migrants.
Another user expressed skepticism about the potential for good to outweigh negative perceptions, stating, “But just being illegal is bad already. Nothing good will change bad to good.” This viewpoint underscores the deep-rooted concerns held by some regarding the legality of these individuals’ presence.
A crucial aspect of the conversation emerged when a user questioned the inclusivity of the discussion. “When talking about illegal foreigners, are we also including Portuguese, Israelis, Pakistanis, French, Venezuelans, Somalis, Asians, Indians? Or, are you all talking about Africans?” This query highlights the diverse nationalities and backgrounds of foreign nationals present in South Africa, emphasizing that the issue transcends the continent.
Amid the array of opinions, it is important to note that foreign nationals, regardless of their legal status, have indeed made significant and positive contributions to South African society. These include economic, cultural, and social contributions that have enriched the nation’s fabric in various ways.
While the ongoing debate surrounding the presence of illegal foreign nationals is complex and multifaceted, acknowledging both challenges and positive contributions is essential for fostering a holistic understanding of the issue. As South Africa continues to grapple with this intricate topic, finding common ground and solutions that consider the broader context is vital for promoting inclusivity, social cohesion, and a prosperous future for all its residents.
https://twitter.com/GaytonMcK/status/1692794448743104940?t=-nfFQ0YFZZNsf24JRWPHpQ&s=19 https://twitter.com/tebel_o/status/1692794835818672627?t=dnhmtGV9cuBWjnEPKCr0FQ&s=19 https://twitter.com/Spade37295887/status/1692795877943812392?t=JpmHSzKoxj7lSYqfNnqHvQ&s=19 https://twitter.com/thapelotshepang/status/1692902718539493444?t=0C15Jf6zDokl5T4lNGXD3A&s=19
Content created and supplied by: Eloquence (via Opera
News )
