“This Should Be Addressed”: Limpopo Woman Worried About Being Targeted as a Foreigner, SA Concerned

• A South African content creator delivers a powerful, neutral, and clear plea against growing tribalism and prejudice targeting people from Limpopo
• She touches on how Tsonga and Venda citizens are being unfairly targeted, harassed, and subjected to xenophobic chants under the guise of anti-immigration movements
• The online discussion triggered concern among citizens, with others expressing their fears of walking around the CBD in Johannesburg, even though they are South Africans
• Briefly News spoke to Gavi about her concerns for the Limpopo people ahead of the much-publicised protest of 30 June 2026

A Tsonga creator has gained widespread praise across social media for speaking out against tribalism and colourism that has been reported since the rise of the anti-illegal-immigrant movements. Shared on her TikTok account @fatgirlgavi on Monday, 1 June 2026, she expresses her anxiety over the upcoming march movements, which she warns are morphing into dangerous platforms for tribal discrimination.

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Identifying as a Tsonga and Sotho hybrid, the creator clarified that she opposes illegal immigration and crime. She, however, said she is heartbroken by how the situation is being weaponised against local South Africans. She explained how anti-illegal immigration groups look at a person’s complexion or accent to judge if they belong in the country, as seen in circulating videos online.

Targeting the Limpopo people during the immigrant marches

The woman also noted that whenever people want to bully others, they unfairly target the Tsonga and Venda communities. She warned that citizens cannot fight for a better nation if they are constantly fighting amongst themselves. TikTok user @fatgilgavi alleged that many locals are being subjected to xenophobic chants and slurs simply because of their ethnic background. The creator emphasised that being dark-skinned or speaking a language from the northern parts of the country does not make a person undocumented.

Watch the TikTok video below:

How to handle protesters asking for ID verifications as a South African

We caught up with Gavi to ask her a few questions about her concerns for Limpopo people, leading up to 30 June 2026.

The team asked her what safety precautions or steps she advises Limpopo citizens to take if they are illegally stopped and asked for IDs during the march. She responded:

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“First of all, I would like to express how this question is very necessary and of utmost importance because it is crucial that many of us, as Limpopo people, utilise strategic ways to ensure our safety and survival during the marches. Also, I think it is truly an absurd and devastating scenario whenever unofficial law personnel ask another South African citizen to produce their ID as proof that they are, in fact, South African. * Honestly, there are no specific ways we can use to protect ourselves from unpredictable events.

However, despite the circumstances that we face, we still have to face reality as it is. If a Limpopo person is ever unfairly targeted by a mob, it is critical to remain calm and comply even if it is, in fact, an unjust situation; this tactic just might save your life. If it is possible to record the incident, they should do so discreetly to avoid any possible attacks from people who might not want to be recorded. It is so sad that we even have to think of ways to protect ourselves from our own people.”

The team asked whether she had personally experienced or witnessed this type of tribal profiling and how she handled the situation. She added:

“Personally, I’ve been in situations where I was unfairly treated because I am Tsonga. One incident I have encountered more than once is a situation in which I was refused assistance by Zulu taxi marshals if I ever addressed them in English or Xitsonga. Unless I communicate in Zulu (which is a language I am not fluent in), then that’s when I’ll receive assistance.

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If I speak in my own language in public, I often hear remarks on how “Shangani” people are annoying and how we should go back home. There are a lot of different tribalistic encounters I’ve experienced ever since I moved to Gauteng. Oftentimes, I keep quiet to avoid further confrontation or escalation of the situation.”

When asked what role she believes community leaders or the government should play right now to stop this division before the protest begins. Gavi said:

“The most effective thing the government can do is to address the matter on a national level as soon as possible. The government should show real support and take a stance against the discrimination of the Tsonga and Venda people. During the marches, police should be present to ensure that the marches are conducted in accordance with the law. Also, we need proper channels to educate South Africans about the issue of tribalism and the harmful impact it has on society.

As unfair as this situation as it infringes on the right of South Africans to participate in a protest. Limpopo people should avoid illegal immigration protests because they might backfire badly on them. And lastly, anyone from the marches who physically harms our people should be held accountable and face the full extent of the law.”

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Mzansi expresses views on the immigration marches

The video gained traction as viewers praised the young woman for her level-headedness and clarity on such a sensitive topic. Many expressed their worry about being stopped and harassed during these community-led anti-immigration patrols because of their skin tone. Some confessed that they rarely carry their IDs, leaving them terrified of what aggressive vigilante groups might do to them if they are unable to prove their South African nationality on the spot.

User @Luvhimbi Adeline said:

"I don’t even carry my ID, and it’ll be difficult to adapt to such. I’m a student in Gauteng, guys, please pray for us😭."

User @NkatekoTK commented:

"Jacinta, I hope you will sleep better from now on."

User @Vayo Starfalls added:

"I'm from Limpopo studying in Johannesburg, I'm even afraid to go to campus 😭."

User @LwaziTheAartist shared:

"Ukhulume kahle sisi (you spoke well, sisi)👏🏽 , without offending anyone, I respect that and yes, this should be addressed."

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User @sepang Khitsane said:

"Guys, be safe please, all of you, hle. Please be safe."

User @Her🇿🇦 commented:

"Sanibonani (hello), my fellow South Africans. As a Zulu lady, I'm sorry that you feel this way. Please, qhubekani (continue) to spread the awareness, you've been too quiet."

3 Briefly News articles about foreign nationals

• A Ghanaian repatriate showed off severe physical scars he alleged to have sustained during immigration protests in Mzansi, sparking a massive online debate.
• A Nigerian man went viral for rejecting xenophobic labels, arguing that South Africans' anger stems from illegal activities performed by some immigrants, rather than personal hate.
• A UK content creator shared the news that 63 foreign nationals had been transported from Dublin Airport on a charter flight that brought them to their home in South Africa.

Source: Briefly News