"He [Malema] lost people when he was on the side of illegal migration," Eugene Khoza said. "He said there is one Africa."

  • Eugene Khoza

Comedian Trevor Noah has sparked a heated debate on social media after a recent episode of his podcast, recorded earlier this week, touched on xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The podcast featured guest Eugene Khoza, a political commentator who shared his thoughts on the country's anti-foreigner groups. Khoza discussed how Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), had made statements that suggested he supported illegal migration.

Khoza claimed that Malema's plans to extend the EFF into other African countries had failed miserably. The EFF has been accused of sparking xenophobic attacks in various parts of the country. Khoza stated that this had not only failed to achieve its intended goals but had also led to widespread criticism and backlash.

Responding to Khoza's comments, EFF MP Sinawo Thambo accused him of spreading misinformation about Malema. 'Trevor Noah, who isn't often in SA, is able to clarify to his friend that xenophobic attacks happen every couple of years in SA – yet Noah continues to portray it as something that will damage Julius Malema,' Thambo tweeted.

Trevor Noah has previously supported Malema's calls for non-violence. In 2019, he tweeted that Malema's statement on xenophobic attacks in SA was perfect. Malema had said at the time, 'I won't join anyone who beats up an African person, I'm not part of that mess. I will never even support anyone who would stone a white person, it doesn't matter how much we disagree with them.'

The recent clip of Trevor Noah's podcast has gone viral on social media, with many calling for action to be taken against anti-foreigner groups. However, others have defended the groups, claiming they are fighting against illegal immigration. The groups argue that they are protecting South Africa's economy and jobs by opposing what they perceive as unfair competition from foreign nationals.

It's unclear what action will be taken against the anti-foreigner groups. The South African government has been silent on the matter, with many calling for them to take a stronger stance against xenophobic attacks.

Trevor Noah hasn't yet commented on the backlash he's received following the release of his podcast.

Key Facts

• 30 June has been set as the deadline for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa. • Julius Malema has been accused of supporting illegal migration. • Malema's plans to extend the EFF into other African countries have failed dismally. • Xenophobic attacks have been reported in various parts of South Africa. • Trevor Noah has previously supported Malema's calls for non-violence. • Malema said at the time that xenophobic attacks in SA were unacceptable and could have severe consequences, making his statement on the issue 'perfect' in 2019.