Gigaba bans anti-gay US Pastor from entering SA
Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaga on Tuesday announced that US Pastor Steven Anderson has been barred from entering South Africa.
Anderson, who has been accused of hate speech following remarks against homosexuality, has publicly criticised South African leaders - including Gigaba - for allowing same-sex relations in the country.
The controversial pastor has taken to social media, promoting his visit to South Africa as a "soul-winning marathon".
Gigaba said this prohibition will be implemented in terms of section 29(1)(d) of the Immigration Act. This section affords the department the legal means to prohibit a foreigner who is "a member of or adherent to an association or organisation advocating the practice of racial hatred or social violence.
"We have a duty to prevent hatred in all forms against the LGBTI, against any other person in a democratic state. Developments, since rumours of Anderson's exploration to the south, have painted a scenario of one individual and his like-minded associates bent on callously negating and violating equality," Gigaba said.
Gigaba said he has informed the Director General that he has identified Anderson and members and/or associates of his church as undesirable persons.
"Undesirable persons are barred from travelling to South Africa for periods determined by the department. Furthermore, I have withdrawn their visa exemption status, enjoyed by all Americans. This is on the basis that I am certain they promote hate speech as well as advocate social violence. Accordingly, Steven Anderson will be advised that he is a prohibited person in South Africa.
Not long after Gigaba's announcement, Anderson posted a response on Facebook.
Anderson made headlines after posting a video on YouTube hitting out at Gigaba.