SOUTH AFRICA
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has cautioned against blaming migrants for unemployment, saying such narratives risk deepening divisions rooted in colonial history.
Malema referred to the situation involving Ghanaian nationals, stating:
“Ghanaians are gone now, 300 of them. How many 300 jobs were created after the Ghanaians left.”
His comments were made in response to growing debates around migration and employment in parts of Africa, where tensions have occasionally emerged over job competition between locals and foreign nationals.
Malema argued that attributing job losses to migrants oversimplifies complex economic challenges and can fuel division between African societies. He added that blaming entire communities for the actions of a few individuals risks reinforcing historical fractures and undermining regional solidarity.
The remarks come amid broader conversations in several African countries about labour markets, migration policy, and rising public concern over unemployment, particularly among young people.
While Malema did not provide further details on the specific incident involving the reported departure of 300 Ghanaian workers, his statement focused on the broader principle that economic frustrations should not be directed at migrant populations.
The debate continues to draw mixed reactions, reflecting the sensitive intersection between migration, politics, and employment across the continent.
Also Read: Prosecution to Disclose Six Witnesses in Besigye’s Case
