Watch: Herman Mashaba reiterates “close South Africa’s borders” rhetoric [video]

Jozi mayor Herman Mashaba has rubbed a few people the wrong way recently. Over in the United States, the Washington Post wrote that he was “channeling his inner Trump” in reference to some of the things he has said about immigrants in South Africa.

Last week, a report claimed that a presentation was made to Mashaba proposing a “shock and awe” campaign to “clean up” Joburg’s inner city. Part of the proposal said that it considered rights groups to be a “challenge” to the campaign.

This all follows raids on Rosettenville. Having adequate measures in place for immigration is one thing, but South Africa has a history of xenophobia in recent years and the language sometimes used by Mashaba can be dangerous.

In recent weeks, homes and businesses have been torched and looted in the name of stopping crime committed by foreigners over in Joburg and Pretoria.

Last week, a so-called “anti-immigrant” march was held in Pretoria with over 1000 people attending.

In 2015, anti-immigrant violence claimed seven lives according to official records while 60 people died in 2008 and 50 000 were forced to feel their homes.

Despite the volatile climate South Africa currently finds itself in, Mashaba was in full voice on Tuesday as this video posted by TimesLive shows. The premise of ensuring South Africa has an adequate system in place for those seeking refuge in the country might be the right idea, but the way it is articulated is not sitting so well with rights groups.