Immigration battle: Land Reform and Rural Development Minister heads to court

As the pushback against immigration hardliners gathers momentum, Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso has escalated his battle with one of the movement’s most prominent figures by initiating legal action over what his ministry describes as defamatory allegations. This follows statements Ndabandaba allegedly made during a podcast appearance concerning the minister and the department. According to the ministry, the activist made “serious allegations” claiming that Nyhontso was involved in the abuse of black people on farms, the eviction of black families and the transfer of land to white farmers.

“The Ministry rejects these allegations as false, unfounded, and damaging,” it said. The fallout between Nyhontso and Ndababanda was sparked by the minister’s recent condemnation of the anti- illegal immigration protests leaders such as Ndabandaba and former Ukhozi radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu. Nyhotso labelled Ndabandaba and Mchunu as thugs.

Ndabandaba, who defended his stance on the undocumented foreigners then labelled Nyontso “stupid”. While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the ministry said there were limits. “The Ministry respects the right of all South Africans to freedom of expression and public accountability. However, this right does not extend to the publication of false and defamatory statements that damage personal and institutional integrity,” it said.