By Adesakin Adefemi
South African opposition leader Julius Malema has issued a sharp rebuke to citizens carrying out xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, challenging them to account for the jobs they claim to have lost and to show evidence of employment they have created.
Speaking on Thursday at an event marking the 14th anniversary of the Collen Mashawana Foundation, the Economic Freedom Fighters leader condemned the recent wave of violence targeting African immigrants, including Nigerians, Ghanaians, and Zimbabweans. Malema described the attacks as rooted in “xenophobia and afrophobia” and said the justifications offered by perpetrators do not stand up to scrutiny.
In recent weeks, videos circulating on social media have shown violent assaults and forced closures of foreign-owned businesses in several South African communities. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg confirmed that two Nigerian nationals, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed amid escalating tensions linked to anti-foreigner sentiment.
Addressing the crowd, Malema directly challenged South Africans who participate in marches to shut down shops run by foreigners. “You say Zimbabweans take your jobs, Nigerians take your jobs, and you march, close shops, and beat up people. Tell us after doing that, how many jobs have you created?” he asked.
He pointed to the contradiction of closing a business that employs locals and then blaming foreigners for unemployment. “You closed a shop that hired five people and you say they take our jobs. After closing that shop, how many jobs have you created?” Malema said, drawing applause from attendees.
The EFF leader took aim at what he called “unskilled men, with no skill whatsoever” who claim foreigners took their jobs. He argued that scapegoating African immigrants ignores the real drivers of joblessness and poverty in South Africa, including structural economic issues and lack of training.
Malema made it clear he would not pander to anti-foreigner sentiment for political gain. “I don’t want your votes. If you behave like that, take them away. I don’t want a vote that says to me, I must hate Africans for you to vote for me. I will never do that,” he stated.
The comments come as South African authorities face pressure to curb xenophobic violence and protect foreign nationals. Civil society groups have warned that attacks on immigrants threaten regional relations and undermine South Africa’s standing on the continent.
Malema’s remarks have reignited debate over immigration, employment, and political responsibility in South Africa. While some supporters praised his stance as principled, critics online accused him of downplaying frustrations over competition for scarce jobs. The government has yet to issue a formal response to the latest incidents or to Malema’s challenge.
