- Tumisho Masha posted a video on social media calling out President Ramaphosa over the government's apparent inaction
- The actor questioned why hundreds of millions of rands were mobilised for the June 30 national shutdown but not for women and children facing violent crime
- Masha also called for accountability over delayed cases involving government officials who have been linked to crime and corruption
Source: UGC
Actor Tumisho Masha took to social media on 12 October 2026 with a pointed message directed at President Cyril Ramaphosa, demanding to know why the government appears to respond with far greater urgency to some crises than to the daily dangers faced by ordinary South Africans. The video has since sparked a wave of conversation online.
Masha, who has earned a reputation for speaking openly about issues of national concern, framed his message around a recurring question.
"Why does urgency seem to depend on who needs protecting?" He pressed the President directly, asking why the state moves swiftly on certain matters yet leaves communities vulnerable to illegal mining syndicates, drug dealers, femicide, and violent crime.
Resources for protest, not protection
The Mandela's Gun actor pointed to the national shutdown on 30 June, which called for the deportation of illegal immigrants, as a glaring example of the government's selective priorities. Masha cited the hundreds of millions of rands spent mobilising military and police resources during that period and questioned why those same resources are never deployed with similar resolve when communities are in crisis.
"Women are being murdered in Ekurhuleni, children face trafficking and exploitation, communities are crying out for protection," he said. "Why does the state appear better prepared for citizens exercising their right to protest than for citizens simply trying to survive?"
Source: Twitter
Accountability and equal treatment
Masha also took aim at the delayed accountability around former National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, both of whom have been linked to allegations of crime and corruption. He asked the President directly: "What consistent standard determines how quickly you act against officials facing allegations of misconduct?"
He also raised concerns about the Department of Home Affairs' shift to digital platforms for asylum seeker registrations, questioning why South Africans waiting for IDs or birth certificates never receive the same efficiency and often miss out on opportunities as a result.
Masha was clear that his message was not rooted in xenophobia.
"We recognise the rights of genuine refugees, but what about the rights, safety and dignity of South Africans?" he said, adding: "We reject xenophobia, we reject violence, we also reject corruption, government inaction and the failure to enforce our laws."
His closing words were a direct challenge to the country's leadership:
"We are watching. We are asking questions, and in this democracy, we have every right to demand answers. Mr President, when will South Africans feel that same urgency from you?"
Watch Tumisho Masha's video below.
Mzansi praises patriotic celebrities
In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to a list of South African celebrities praised for their patriotism.
The list included actors and musicians, with fans taking to the comments section to call out other stars who continue to distance themselves from societal matters.
Source: Briefly News