MTN Chairman Warns Against Rising Xenophobia

MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas has urged South Africans to reject xenophobia, saying the country’s future remains closely connected to the rest of Africa. Speaking at the funeral of Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant Thokozani Damasane, Jonas warned that blaming foreign nationals for the nation’s difficulties would not solve its deeper problems. He stressed that xenophobia only distracts from the real issues affecting the country.

According to Jonas, South Africa’s biggest challenges include unemployment, inequality, corruption and weak state institutions. He argued that these problems would continue even if every foreign national left the country. “Our problems as a nation cannot be solved by turning against fellow Africans. Xenophobia is not a solution to unemployment, poverty or state failure,” Jonas said. He also stated, “Foreigners can leave tomorrow, inequality will be with us. Foreigners will leave tomorrow, and unemployment will be with us. Foreigners will leave tomorrow – our police will remain corrupt.”

Jonas explained that government failures in managing immigration, border security, law enforcement and education have contributed to the country’s current situation. He also criticised politicians who, instead of addressing these structural weaknesses, direct public frustration towards migrants to gain political support.

Reflecting on the life of Thokozani Damasane, Jonas praised his commitment to South Africa and his contribution to the country’s development. “I was thinking, what is home to Damasane? Because I understand, and I understood very early in life, that home is where humanity is. Home is about humanness. It is about the good of humanity and striving for the good of humanity,” he said.

Jonas also reminded South Africans of the support many African nations gave during the struggle against apartheid. “South Africa is nothing without Africa. We cannot forget that in our darkest days, the continent stood with us. To now treat fellow Africans as enemies is to betray that history,” he said. His remarks have renewed discussions about xenophobia, immigration, social unity and governance across South Africa.