MTN Chairman Blames State Failures for Rising Xenophobia in South Africa

MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas criticized the surge of xenophobia in South Africa, arguing that the growing anti‑foreigner sentiment stems from state failure and is being exploited by politicians who refuse to tackle the nation’s deep‑rooted socio‑economic problems.

At the funeral of Zimbabwean‑born activist and public servant Thokozani Damasane, Jonas said that the hostility toward foreign nationals reflects governance failures rather than the conduct of migrants, and urged South Africans to embrace humanity rather than division.

The former Deputy Minister of Finance noted the irony of hearing calls for foreigners to leave South Africa while he was traveling to honor a man who had devoted his life to serving the country.

“I was thinking, what is home to Damasane? I understood very early in life that home is where humanity is. Home is about humanness. It is about the good of humanity and striving for the good of humanity.”

Jonas described Damasane, born and educated in Zimbabwe and who moved to South Africa after apartheid, as a man who arrived as an outsider yet dedicated himself entirely to advancing the country’s democratic ideals.

“He immersed himself deeply into the struggles and pains of South Africans, and he became one of us. In Damasane’s strength, our strength as South Africans is reflected, and in his weaknesses, our own weaknesses are reflected,” he said.

Jonas argued that blaming foreigners for South Africa’s economic and social problems amounts to scapegoating and diverts attention from the country’s governance deficiencies.

He said that xenophobia has become a convenient political tool for some leaders, exploiting public frustration instead of confronting unemployment, poverty, inequality, and inadequate service delivery.

As chairman of MTN Group—a leading African telecommunications company operating in 19 countries—Jonas has consistently advocated stronger regional integration, economic cooperation, and political stability across the continent.

Jonas urged South Africans to reject narratives that pit citizens against foreign nationals, insisting that the nation’s future depends on building an inclusive society grounded in shared humanity, justice, and equal opportunity for all.