Nelson Mandela Day has become a focal point for debate in South Africa over the values the former president represented, as the country grapples with inequality and economic frustration. The anti-immigration group March and March plans to use the day to inspect businesses and identify undocumented workers, a move condemned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation as divisive and contrary to Mandela's principles.
The foundation's CEO, Mbongiseni Buthelezi, said targeting migrants undermines dialogue and human dignity. Critics argue that migrants are being scapegoated for government failures, while the government has deported over 53,000 foreign nationals. The ANC Veterans' League also rejected the actions, stating Mandela would never have condoned such targeting. The debate highlights how Mandela's legacy is interpreted differently by various groups.