DJ Speedsta Explains Why He Avoided Celebrity Commentary on Illegal Immigration Debate

South African DJ and broadcaster DJ Speedsta has explained why he chose not to join the growing number of public figures commenting on the country’s ongoing debate around illegal immigration.

The hip hop DJ said he does not believe celebrities should be pressured into sharing opinions on every trending issue, especially when they do not have enough knowledge about the subject.

His comments come after weeks of public debate and criticism directed at several South African celebrities who remained silent during anti-illegal immigration protests, including the national shutdown held on 30 June.

Speedsta Says Celebrities Should Not Be Forced to Speak

Speaking on his YouTube show Up To Speed with DJ Speedsta, which premiered on 6 July, Speedsta discussed the growing expectation that celebrities should respond to political and social issues.

“First of all, celebrities are also human beings, and everybody’s allowed to have an opinion and preference,” he said.

He explained that he prefers not to comment on political matters simply to satisfy public expectations.

“I personally don’t speak much on politics because I don’t know much. So I’m the same. I’m not gonna go out there and say viva, viva this, viva. I’m not gonna speak on something I don’t know,” he said.

Debate Over Celebrity Responsibility

Speedsta’s comments have contributed to a wider discussion about whether celebrities have a responsibility to use their platforms to address political and social issues.

With millions of followers online, public figures are often expected to take positions on major national debates. However, some argue that having influence does not automatically mean someone is an expert on every issue.

For Speedsta, remaining silent is not about avoiding difficult conversations. Instead, he believes people should speak only when they have a genuine understanding of the topic.

Celebrities Face Pressure Over Immigration Debate

The immigration debate has placed several high-profile South Africans under scrutiny, with some social media users criticising celebrities for not publicly sharing their views.

Internationally recognised producer Black Coffee and amapiano star Uncle Waffles were among those criticised online for not commenting on the issue.

Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi and actress Nomzamo Mbatha have also previously faced similar criticism over their decisions not to publicly address certain social and political matters.

DJ DJ Tira was also pulled into the conversation, with some social media users calling for a boycott of his “Durban Hotbox” event over accusations that he had remained silent.

Gugu Khathi Shares Her Perspective

The discussion gained further attention after DJ Tira’s wife, Gugu Khathi, shared her own views online.

“We are not lazy. The youth of South Africa are not lazy. People in South Africa are not lazy. You just don’t have a choice,” she said.

Khathi argued that many South Africans are willing to work but struggle due to limited opportunities. She also called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to address concerns surrounding undocumented foreign nationals.

As the immigration debate continues, Speedsta’s comments highlight the ongoing conversation about the role of celebrities, online pressure and the responsibility that comes with having a public platform.