Gigaba misleading South Africans over govt inaction on hateful Pastor Anderson 

20 July 2016

The Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba’s poor attempt to explain away government inaction over the visit to South Africa of hate-mongerer, Pastor Anderson, is not only misleading, but inconsistent with the legislation which regulates the matter.

According to section 29(1) of the Immigration Act, 2002, certain persons can be denied a port of entry visa. Such a person includes: “a member of or adherent to an association or organisation advocating the practise of racial hatred and social violence.” 

The DA contends that Pastor Anderson falls within this category. He, through his particular church, has not only called for the murder of gay and lesbian people, but also praised the horrific attack an LGBTI nightclub in Orlando, United States, which left 49 people dead. 

He told one user who commented on his Youtube channel: “no homos allowed, Get AIDS and die.”

These comments are collectively a call for violence and is inconsistent with the values enshrined in our Constitution. 

It is deeply revealing that the ANC government denied the Dalai Lama a visa to South Africa, without any grounds provided; yet are prepared to argue, as Gigaba has done, that their hands are tied with Anderson’s visit. 

The DA will be requesting an urgent explanation from the Minister as to why he has chosen to ignore legislation and allow for a man, determined to spread hate and violence in South Africa, into our country. This position should be urgently reconsidered.

Should he not respond, we will have no option but to report Mr Gigaba’s decision to the South African Human Rights Commission for an urgent investigation.

The DA is committed to building One Nation, with One Future, built on the principles of Freedom, Fairness and Opportunity for all. We stand opposed to all forms of bigotry, including racism, homophobia, sexism and xenophobia. 

Issued by Haniff Hoosen, DA Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, 20 July 2016