Nhlanhla Lux Claims Phakel'umthakathi Tried to Recruit Him for Anti-Foreigner Campaign, SA Divided
- Nhlanhla Lux broke his silence about the recent confrontation between himself and Nkosikhona "Phakel'umthakathi" Ndabandaba
- The former Operation Dudula member claimed that Phakel'umthakathi and his associates wanted him to join their anti-foreigner campaign
- South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the claims, sharing mixed reactions to the claims, as many were divided over who was right
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - Nhanhla Lux has gone public with allegations that he was approached and offered money by Nkosikhona "Phakel'umthakathi" Ndabandaba and associates, who were seeking to use anti-foreigner sentiment to destabilise South Africa.
The allegations followed a heated confrontation between Lux and Phakel'umthakathi in Soweto on 26 August 2026, centred on anti-foreigner spaza shop actions. The police were forced to intervene during that incident, as both sides came close to blows.
Lux discusses receiving offer from Phakel'umthakathi
In a selfie-style video posted to X by Inqubeko Media, Lux addressed his issues with Phakel'umthakathi, saying that they were fooling people.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
He recalled being approached by the activist and associates, claiming that they offered him money in an attempt to recruit him.
"I refused to take their money, and that's why today there's a problem. And some of you who don't even know such things, you want to then be quick and be emotional, and want to discuss things you don't know. Yeah. That's why I came to tell you straight, because I know the agenda," he said.
"It's a fully sponsored agenda to destabilise South Africa politically, so that there can be new political opportunists that take the landscape. Which is okay, their space, let them do it, but not at the expense of our people," Lux added.
Lux alleges propaganda behind child poisoning claims
Speaking emphatically, Lux alleged that meetings were held at which participants planned to spread false information, including claims that foreign spaza shop owners were lacing food products with poison to harm children in communities. He described this as deliberate propaganda designed to turn South Africans against African foreign nationals.
The former Operation Dudula member questioned why spaza shop owners would want to target their own customers. Lux also called on landlords and business owners facing intimidation from anti-foreigner groups to contact him directly, stating that documented foreigners should not be subjected to abuse.
He added that the law, not community meetings or mob action, was the appropriate response to any legitimate grievance.
How did South Africans react?
Reactions on social media were sharply divided, as South Africans had different views about which man was in the wrong.
@LUNGAGAZZINHO wrote:
"Phakela said he is working for some people who don't want to be known, in fear of this messing things up for them. The video of him saying that is on the internet."
@CarlosMatu31 replied:
"Lux, you are on the right side. No amount of propaganda must live a day."
@blacksuspect2k wrote:
"This boy is a good liar. How do you destabilise the country by advocating for the country's laws to be respected and implemented? This boy took money from somewhere."
@PatKay1o1 added:
"Phakela must sue him for lying."
@Vodlozanesto exclaimed:
"Lux must be protected."
@Mwelase_Sthe said:
"This Lux guy is an ANC member. He will do anything to protect his own comrades from being exposed."
Ex-Operation Dudula leader makes claims about Lux
Former Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula claimed that Lux was planted by the African National Congress to destabilise it from within.
Briefly News reported that Dabula alleged that Lux initially failed to cause damage, left the organisation, then returned asking for forgiveness.
She said Lux did the most harm after returning, once he had built his profile and reputation within the movement.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
