Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has called on his supporters to steer clear of planned anti-immigration marches, warning against vigilante action and urging South Africans not to take the law into their own hands.
McKenzie's remarks come amid growing tensions surrounding undocumented migrants, with recent clashes between police and Malawian nationals awaiting repatriation highlighting the increasingly volatile atmosphere.
The demonstrations are being fuelled by a widespread perception among some South Africans that migrants are placing additional strain on already overstretched public services and resources.
Despite the frustrations expressed by many citizens, McKenzie said foreigners attempting to return to their home countries should be allowed to do so safely and stressed that the PA would not support violence or unlawful actions.
He also accused political figures of exploiting anti-immigration sentiments for political gain, distancing his party from organisations involved in the marches.
"I don't want to see a PA member at March and March," McKenzie said.
"I am not a leader that wants to be fashionable like Mashaba by leading my people to jail. Who is going to bail you out? We don't want those things. This is our country, we love this country, you must behave."
The PA leader went further, instructing party members not to target migrants or engage in acts of violence.
"As a leader of the PA, I'm telling every PA member not to assault children, do not assault illegal foreigners. That is not who we are. You must not go with the hype. We are not ActionSA, we want nothing to do with March to March. I am telling you today, stay far away," he said.
McKenzie's comments come as the national debate over immigration intensifies, with authorities and political leaders increasingly calling for calm amid fears that tensions could escalate further.