Xenophobia: ‘How Many Jobs Have We Created?’ – Activists Malema Questions South Africans Over Attacks On Nigeria

Julius Malema has strongly criticised what he described as Afrophobic violence in South Africa, questioning the logic behind attacks on foreign nationals and their impact on job creation.

Speaking on the issue, Malema challenged those involved in xenophobic attacks, asking: “How many jobs have you created after beating foreigners, by beating up these Nigerians, by beating up these Ghanaians, by beating up these Zimbabweans?”

He argued that violence against migrants does not solve unemployment or economic hardship, but instead worsens the situation, noting that many businesses are destroyed in the process. According to him, shutting down foreign-owned shops that employ locals ultimately leads to job losses rather than job creation.

Malema further criticised what he described as a lack of skills and direction among some perpetrators, saying: “Unskilled men with no skill whatsoever say somebody took their job.” He suggested that blaming foreigners for unemployment distracts from addressing deeper economic challenges.

The politician also rejected the idea of exclusionary politics based on nationality, insisting he would not support policies that discriminate against other Africans for political gain. He said: “I’ll never do that. I will never refuse a pregnant woman of African descent to give birth in clinics of South Africa.”

He also stressed that he would not support policies that exclude African children from education, referencing apartheid-era practices of exclusion.

He maintained that his political stance is rooted in principle rather than opportunism, adding that he would not trade his values for votes or political support.

Malema’s remarks come amid ongoing debates in South Africa over xenophobia, unemployment, and competition for economic opportunities between locals and foreign nationals.