Malema Blames African Poverty on Leadership, Defends Migrants in South Africa
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South African opposition politician and leader of the Julius Malema has condemned xenophobic attacks against African migrants, insisting that Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans and other foreign nationals living in South Africa are not responsible for the country’s economic struggles.
Speaking during a public address on Thursday, Malema said poor Africans across the continent were victims of the same economic and political system that continues to enrich a small elite while leaving millions in hardship.
Malema also referenced the views of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, saying African unity remains more important than divisions created by politics and economic hardship.
He argued that unemployed South Africans and struggling migrants face similar realities of poverty, inequality and exclusion, stressing that violence against fellow Africans would not solve unemployment or social challenges in the country.
The outspoken politician noted that repeated attacks on migrants from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Ethiopia, Malawi and Zimbabwe had led to deaths, destruction of businesses and displacement of families over the years.
According to him, ordinary South Africans and African migrants should not see themselves as enemies because they are both affected by deeper structural problems facing the continent.
Malema also referenced the views of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, saying African unity remains more important than divisions created by politics and economic hardship.
His remarks come amid renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions in South Africa following reports that hundreds of Ghanaians recently returned home after fears linked to attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Several African governments and diaspora groups have continued to call on South African authorities to strengthen the protection of migrants and prevent further violence.
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