Makhadzi Defends Zimbabwe Backlash Amid Anti-Immigration Tensions

Makhadzi Defends Zimbabwe Backlash Amid Anti-Immigration Tensions

South African award-winning musician Makhadzi has responded to accusations from some Zimbabwean social media users who claimed she hates Zimbabweans, saying she was left shocked by the allegations after years of supporting artists from the neighbouring country.

This comes after the singer faced the cancellation of her scheduled performance in Zimbabwe amid growing anti-illegal immigration tensions in South Africa. Makhadzi addressed the issue in a lengthy Facebook post on Sunday, saying she was shocked that some Zimbabweans had accused her of hating them.

Opening her message with a question to her followers, Makhadzi wrote: “When you get time tell me what shocked you in 2026.” She then revealed what had surprised her most this year. “What shocked me is when Zim people said I hate them,” she wrote.

Makhadzi defends her support for Zimbabwean artists

The artist said the accusations were difficult to understand because she has consistently used her platform to support Zimbabwean musicians throughout her career. “After cheering their artist all over my shows, after being the only artist booking African artist to my shows, after being only artist featuring their faves. And now suddenly iam a hater,” she wrote.

Although Makhadzi did not mention any specific incident that prompted her statement, her comments come after a number of South African celebrities faced backlash, cancelled performances and withdrawn invitations as anti-illegal immigration protests continued to spread across parts of South Africa. Several entertainers have found themselves drawn into heated online debates over immigration, with fans and critics scrutinising their public statements and perceived positions on the issue.

‘Ubuntu knows no border’

Despite the criticism, Makhadzi insisted that her love for fellow Africans remains unchanged. “UBUNTU KNOWS NO BODDER, BUT RESPECT KNOWS EVERY LAW.” She added: “My love have no boder, iam an African queen.”

The musician ended her post by thanking her supporters, known as the Khadzinators, while promoting her upcoming EP, which is scheduled for release on 31 July. Her comments have since sparked thousands of reactions on social media, with many fans defending her record of collaborating with artists from across Africa, while others continued debating the broader immigration tensions that have dominated public discourse in recent weeks.

Makhadzi’s comments have also sparked discussions about the role of celebrity in the ongoing anti-illegal immigration talks, with some praising her loyalty to the continent and others questioning the motives behind her actions.

The incident comes at a time when tensions between South Africa and Zimbabwe are running high, with recent reports of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa. The situation has sparked calls for calm and peaceful dialogue between the two nations.

As the debate continues to unfold across social media, one question remains - can Makhadzi’s love for her Zimbabwean fans be enough to counteract the growing tensions between the two nations?