General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi DEFENDS South Africans– "They Are Provoked"

South Africa is facing escalating tensions following immigration-related unrest in Soweto and Durban, where vehicles were torched, businesses were targeted and police were forced to respond. On 9 October 2026, the Department of Home Affairs withdrew its controversial asylum-seeker directive following a Constitutional Court judgment. Meanwhile, reports of SANDF deployment and Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's involvement have raised serious questions about government's response to the crisis. In this episode of Rules and Rulers, we examine the deployment of soldiers, the response of Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane, the withdrawal of the Home Affairs directive and the growing public frustration surrounding immigration enforcement. We also revisit the tragic deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, following exposure to the dangerous pesticide Terbufos, and discuss how food safety concerns and the regulation of spaza shops have become part of the broader national debate. Why did Home Affairs issue a directive without adequate preparation? Is withdrawing it a genuine reconsideration or temporary damage control? Why is the government facing criticism over its response to this crisis compared with its handling of gender-based violence and femicide? And can Mkhwanazi's involvement help restore public confidence? This episode examines the legal, political and policing questions surrounding one of South Africa's most contentious debates. Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments. Subscribe to Rules and Rulers for South African political analysis, legal developments and investigative commentary. #SANDF #NhlanhlaMkhwanazi #HomeAffairs #Soweto #ImmigrationSouthAfrica #AsylumSeekers #Refugees #PulengDimpane #SpazaShops #SouthAfricaNews #CyrilRamaphosa #SowetoProtests #ConstitutionalCourt #RulesAndRulers Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction - Does the Withdrawal of the Directive Making things Better 02:03 The violence is escalating in Durban and Johannesburg CBD 05:29 Looting of Spaza Shops and burning of Cars 11:57 Withdrawal of the Home Affairs Directive 14:39 Home Affairs in Incompetent and Corrupt 18:47 Is This an Election Strategy? 22:21 "South Africans 'are acting because they have been attacked first" - Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi 28:28 Deployment of SANDF 29:48 Concluding Ramarks **LEGAL DISCLAIMER:** This video is presented for news reporting, public-interest commentary and educational purposes. Allegations and public claims are distinguished from verified facts. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. This content does not promote xenophobia, violence or unlawful conduct.