Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has strongly criticized the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa. He stated that foreign Africans are unfairly blamed for problems they did not create. Mbeki made these remarks at the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and AUDA-NEPAD Business Breakfast. He noted that while South Africa faces real challenges with unemployment and crime, undocumented African migrants are not the cause.
This criticism comes as tensions rise for foreign nationals in South Africa. This week, nearly 300 Ghanaians returned to their home country. These repatriations followed anti-immigrant protests. The Ghanaians left South Africa due to fears for their safety amid escalating tensions. Mbeki believes South Africans are directing their anger at the wrong targets. He pointed out that high unemployment and crime are indeed issues. However, he insisted that undocumented Africans are not responsible for these problems. He specifically stated that these issues are not due to undocumented Africans.
Mbeki argued that South Africa's economic decline started much earlier. This decline predates current debates about migration. He stated that the country achieved economic growth rates of up to 6% from 1994 to 2008. From 2009 onwards, economic performance moved in the opposite direction. He asserted that this downturn was not caused by undocumented immigrants. Mbeki suggested those truly responsible for the country’s economic difficulties have escaped public scrutiny. Public frustration, he observed, is being misdirected elsewhere. He called this situation wrong.
Mbeki predicted that Africans from across the continent will continue to migrate to South Africa. He said this will happen regardless of efforts to stop them. He linked this ongoing migration to the historical role many African countries played. These nations supported South Africa's liberation struggle during apartheid. Mbeki emphasized that South Africa will not solve its unemployment crisis by targeting migrants. He said this overlooks deeper structural economic issues. He urged South Africans to confront the real causes of their economic hardship. He also called on them to reject narratives that blame fellow Africans.
Mbeki concluded by reminding people of historical bonds. These bonds unite Africans across the continent. He said people are focusing on the wrong groups. They fail to understand the connection between Africans on the continent and those in South Africa. He stressed they are all part of the same struggle. He forcefully stated one cannot turn against those who liberated them. This statement directly addresses the anti-immigrant sentiment. It highlights the shared history and solidarity expected. The debate reflects broader economic challenges across many African nations. It also touches on national identity and the management of borders.
The implications of Mbeki's statements are significant. They challenge the prevailing narrative in parts of South African society. Policymakers and economic analysts will closely watch any response. The South African government faces pressure to address both economic hardship and social tensions. Future economic policies may need to consider Mbeki's call for addressing 'structural problems'. The continued safe passage and welcome of migrants, especially from neighboring African states, remains a key issue. This discourse also affects regional economic integration efforts like the AfCFTA. Investors and international partners will observe how these issues are handled.