ENUGU — Firebrand South African politician and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has condemned xenophobia, describing it as a “sickness” driven by poverty, inequality, and government failure — and a direct betrayal of African unity.
Speaking on Sunday at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu, Malema urged Africans to reject division and embrace solidarity, stressing that fellow Africans are not responsible for South Africa’s unemployment woes.
“Xenophobia is a betrayal of African unity. It is a sickness borne of poverty, inequality, and government failure. Its victims are our African brothers and sisters. Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Congolese, and Somalis are not the cause of South Africa’s unemployment crisis,” he declared.
According to Malema, the roots of South Africa’s economic struggles lie in the continued dominance of white-owned corporations and multinational companies that exploit resources without investing in industrialisation. He argued that such realities have misdirected public anger toward foreign nationals rather than the real sources of inequality.
“We must educate our people that unity, not division, is the solution to Africa’s crisis,” he added.
Highlighting the deep ties between Nigeria and South Africa, the Pan-Africanist praised the cultural and economic exchange between the two nations. He pointed to South African companies creating jobs in Nigeria, while Nigerian businesses, music, film, and literature have significantly influenced South African society.
Malema encouraged South African entrepreneurs to expand into Lagos with trust and partnership, stressing that the combined economic power of Nigeria and South Africa could fuel a new industrial revolution across the continent.
Malema, known for his communist leanings and the signature red beret of his party, reaffirmed his commitment to Pan-Africanism, urging leaders and citizens alike to fight for a united and prosperous Africa.
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