South Africa and the Rest of Africa

Xenophobia shouldn’t replace apartheid or fester any longer, writes Monday Philips Ekpe

South Africa’s uniqueness extends beyond its position at the southern tip of the continent. It is also regarded as Africa’s most prosperous economy, which attracts people from less affluent countries. Unfortunately, the “rainbow nation” has also been a host to two of humanity’s most severe injustices: apartheid and xenophobia. While these problems are not exclusive to South Africa, the country’s association with them has become a lasting burden. With the rapid development of information and communication technology, it is uncertain how future generations will view this remarkable land.

Many have described the violent attacks on African migrants by angry South Africans who believe that foreigners, especially black migrants, are stealing their jobs. This irrational fear has long been exposed as a misconception. A recent opportunity for official intervention arose when President Cyril Ramaphosa met with his Mozambican counterpart, Daniel Chapo, in Pretoria. Ramaphosa urged African leaders to strengthen their economies so that “people will not migrate in large numbers and seek refuge in different parts of the continent, including South Africa.” He inadvertently reinforced the premise that his angry compatriots use to justify their actions. “No further proof is needed to show the overarching failure at the various levels of leadership across Africa,” he said, but framing the issue this way is overly simplistic.

Ramaphosa later clarified his position: “These (xenophobic assaults) are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism.’ Some of these people are assuming functions that only state officials are permitted to perform. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are… In a country with high unemployment, some employers are exploiting undocumented, cheaper foreign labour over hiring citizens and paying them legal wages. This is fueling social tension and undermining labour protection laws… We are stepping up workplace enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals in violation of labour and immigration laws…”

This statement still misses the point. If there is anything that black South Africans should avoid, it is the “we vs. they” narrative, which is a form of segregation similar to that imposed by their former white oppressors. While nationalism is understandable after the struggle for freedom, it should not replace the spirit of African brotherhood.

South Africans should address criminality—whether by citizens or immigrants—through legal means rather than resorting to barbaric violence that tarnishes the country’s image.

Having used five South African visas and formed lasting friendships, I have travelled across the country and created memories that will stay with me. I once drove from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein to Cape Town to experience the nation’s energy before returning to Joburg. One of the most striking experiences was visiting the apartheid museum in Soweto, where I confronted the harsh reality of race‑based discrimination and brutality. It reminded me of a similar visit to a slave‑trade museum in Calabar, Nigeria, and reinforced that South Africans are not inherently racist.

Those who blame South Africans for protecting their heritage are hasty and insincere. Their actions are misguided, and retaliation would be counterproductive. South African citizens and migrants alike should act with consideration, humility, and sobriety. Most attackers are young people who lack a full understanding of the country’s history and are influenced only by social media. The support that came from other African nations during the struggle against white rule was sacrificial and born of genuine love for the victims. South Africa cannot be forced to open its borders indiscriminately, but it should treat foreigners with reasonable dignity.

Other African nations are not always hopeless or helpless; many have slipped into regression. It should be easy for South African aggressors to accept that the country today is different from the one Mandela left behind. Politically, socially, and economically, South Africa has been looking outward. The African National Congress, once a symbol of black empowerment, no longer holds its previous dominance. The balance of power has shifted, and black South Africans cannot assume that they will never need assistance from other Africans again.

Ramaphosa must reflect urgently. Instead of urging other leaders to provide adequate amenities to discourage emigration, he should evaluate his own stewardship. Has his government met the basic expectations of its people and bridged the gap between them and their former oppressors?

The continent suffers largely from self‑inflicted wounds, mainly the indulgent, ineffective, and corrupt political leaders who have contributed to underdevelopment more than any other factor. This self‑sabotage is tragic in a world that increasingly rejects weakness and mediocrity. Even if African countries do not become a single geopolitical entity, they can and should pursue understanding, integration, cooperation, and brotherhood. Divisive tendencies like the hate that periodically erupts in South Africa have no place in that equation.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

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