Tumisho Masha, Oscar MBO and Lebo M Make List of Celebrities Praised for Speaking Out on Immigration

• An X user posted a list of South African celebrities who showed patriotism on the immigration debate
• The list included Oscar MBO, Trevor Noah, Tumisho Masha, Lebo M and several other creatives
• Peeps in the comments section both praised the names on the list and called out those who remained silent on the matter

A South African X user has stirred conversation online after rounding up a list of some local celebrities who have been vocal about the country's undocumented immigrant crisis, sparking a mix of praise and pointed criticism in the comments.

The post, shared by @LeratoPillayZAR on 12 October 2026, named eight public figures who stood out for speaking up on the issue. The list included musicians Oscar MBO, Aubrey Qwana, Sbu Noah and Lebo M, alongside podcaster God Penuel, actors Clement Maosa and Tumisho Masha, and comedian Trevor Noah.

Several of the names on the list have built reputations for speaking their minds. Tumisho Masha has been among the more consistent voices on social matters, and his patriotism recently earned him praise online, with many wishing more of his peers would follow his lead.

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Lebo M also made the cut, having recently made his position known ahead of the general elections after years of disillusionment with the political landscape. Trevor Noah, despite being based abroad, has remained engaged with South African issues, which peeps noted in the comments.

Mzansi calls out the quiet ones

While some netizens celebrated the names on the list, others used the moment to take aim at those who said nothing.

Lungi2yxsos0 drew a contrast with one prominent name:

"Then we have Tyla. I know her fans will defend her, but Trevor Noah is literally abroad, yet he is vocal about South African societal issues."

uPhi7a pointed to another celebrity yet to be heard on the matter:

"Keen to hear what @ScottsMaphuma has to say about this matter."

she_bongi kept it blunt when it came to influencers:

"As for the influencers, they are all quiet!"

Maijanez29 widened the critique to an entire genre:

"Amapiano musicians are quiet."

The conversation reflects the growing expectation among South African social media users that public figures use their platforms to weigh in on issues affecting the country, particularly the ongoing debate around undocumented immigrants.

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See the complete list below.

Gaisang Noge urges Mzansi to vote

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared Gaisang Noge's urgent plea to fellow South Africans ahead of the general elections.

The former The Wife actress reminded her followers that their vote matters and pleaded with them to not give up on their country.

Source: Briefly News