SAHRC vs Panyaza Lesufi: Eviction of Illegal Immigrants Challenged, Mzansi Outraged

• Panyaza Lesufi announced plans to demolish over 400 newly built informal settlements, mainly occupied by undocumented migrants
• The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) responded to the proposal
• Netizens criticised the SAHRC's response, with several South Africans accusing the human rights body of protecting foreigners

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has come under fire for condemning Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s plan to demolish illegal informal settlements, focusing on those occupied by undocumented migrants.

On Wednesday, 3 September 2025, Panyaza Lesufi shared that his provincial government intended to demolish over 400 new informal settlements at 2 AM. Anticipation grew about when Lesufi would carry out the demolitions, as he did not specify the date.

The SAHRC reacted to the proposal to demolish illegal settlements, and its lengthy statement left several South Africans fuming.

SAHRC condemns Panyaza Lesufi's eviction proposal

On Sunday, 7 September 2026, the SAHRC released a statement condemning Panyaza Lesufi’s proposal to demolish over 400 illegal informal settlements.

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The commission said the proposed evictions contravene the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, 1998 (PIE) and constitute a gross violation of the Constitution. The SAHRC argued that the evictions may do more harm than good, since they affect the economically disadvantaged.

“Such conduct is inhumane, degrading, and dangerous. It is likely to expose families to criminality, trauma, and displacement, and erodes the very foundations of our constitutional democracy. The Commission is concerned that children might be torn from their homes, older persons losing access to care, and persons with disabilities being left without support or shelter,” part of the statement reads.

The SAHRC vowed to take action should the evictions proceed.

“Lawlessness, whether by omission or commission, cannot be tolerated. The Commission implores government officials, sheriffs, and private contractors to uphold the Constitution, respect the rule of law, and protect the rights of those most at risk, being children, women, persons with disabilities, and older persons. The Commission will continue to monitor these violations and escalate findings where necessary,” the SAHRC added.

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Read the full statement below:

Netizens react after SAHRC condemns Panyaza Lesufi's eviction proposal

In the comment section, several netizens criticised the SAHRC, which was previously accused of being biased towards foreigners, while some defended the commission.

Here are some of the comments from netizens:

@EdgarLegoale proposed:

“President Ramaphosa must disband this structure because wow.”

@UnathiAfrika argued:

“The response you will get is that ‘they are all illegal foreigners’, which, ironically, is always the case on social media, not on the ground.”

@LeratoPillayZA asked:

“South Africans are the vulnerable. When will you fight for them? We are the ones invaded by drug dealers and human traffickers, can’t you see?”

@OnePablo20 proposed:

“This organisation needs to be closed ASAP. You and the other so-called NGOs are working against the very same people of the Republic you claim to represent.”

@GodPenuel argued:

"I don't think you guys actually care about South African citizens' rights. You blatantly ignore the law, ignore undocumented criminals, ignore the disregard of South African human rights by those who violate them. It's clear that you're funded by agents who hate SAns."

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SAHRC shares decision regarding Gayton McKenzie

Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that the SAHRC previously stirred mixed reactions after announcing its decision regarding Gayton McKenzie.

The SAHRC was investigating the Patriotic Alliance leader over old tweets in which he used the K-word. South Africans weighed in on the commission's plans going forward, sharing mixed reactions to the decision.

Source: Briefly News