South Africans have come out in strong defense of Zimbabwean-born stars Nadia Nakai and Sha Sha after a video of a Patriotic Alliance (PA) Women’s League leader calling for their deportation went viral. The comments, made by Victoria Africa, have sparked widespread backlash, with many condemning her remarks as xenophobic and divisive.
In the now-trending video shared by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, Victoria Africa argues that Zimbabwean celebrities living and working in South Africa should be sent back to their home country. She specifically mentioned rapper Nadia Nakai, amapiano artist Sha Sha, and veteran TV presenter Peter Ndoro. According to Africa, South Africa has “enough intelligent and talented citizens” to represent the nation and does not need foreigners in the entertainment industry.
“We don’t want foreigners to speak for us or represent us,” Africa declared. “We have capable South Africans who can do that. We want all these people deported back to their countries. It doesn’t matter how long they’ve been here; we want them gone.” She further questioned why South Africans were not hosting their own shows, taking aim at Ndoro, who has been a respected broadcaster for decades. “Who said we lack the skill to present? Let Peter Ndoro go and use his skills in Zimbabwe,” she added.
Africa, who is reportedly linked to Operation Dudula — a movement known for its anti-immigrant stance — went further, accusing Zimbabweans of taking opportunities from South Africans. “We don’t want Nadia Nakai representing us. She must go represent her people. The likes of Sha Sha are here speaking our local languages and pretending to be South Africans. No sense of pride!” she exclaimed.
Her comments quickly drew condemnation across social media platforms. Many South Africans and Zimbabweans alike defended the artists, praising their contributions to the region’s music and entertainment industries.
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One user, @ThusoAfrica, pointed out the hypocrisy of the remarks, writing: “Victoria wants Nadia Nakai deported for being a foreign artist, but South African stars like Thuso Mbedu live and work in America. Should they be deported too? Xenophobic South Africans are embarrassing the country.” Another user, @RodgersMalepe, commented: “Why are people against others who are trying to make a difference? Artists like Nadia and Sha Sha are doing great things for Africa.”
Zimbabwean journalist @daddyhope also weighed in, saying, “When stupidity stands in front of a camera, it becomes louder. It seems when people fail in school or professionally, they turn to xenophobia hoping it will get them into Parliament.”
Despite the negativity, both Nadia Nakai and Sha Sha have continued to focus on their careers. Nadia recently made headlines for unveiling her new figure following a Brazilian Bottom Lift, documented on her reality show *Beyond Bragga*. Sha Sha, meanwhile, remains one of amapiano’s most celebrated voices, credited with popularizing the genre beyond South Africa’s borders.
While Victoria Africa’s comments may have reignited xenophobic sentiments online, Mzansi’s overwhelming defense of the artists proves that many South Africans reject hate and instead celebrate talent—regardless of nationality.
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