Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has strongly pushed back against growing anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, arguing that undocumented African migrants are not to blame for the country’s unemployment challenges.
Speaking at the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and AUDA-NEPAD Business Breakfast, the veteran statesman said many South Africans are directing their frustration at the wrong people while the true causes of economic decline remain unaddressed.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions over immigration and growing concerns about the safety of foreign nationals living in South Africa. The issue has gained renewed attention after nearly 300 Ghanaians recently returned home following anti-immigrant protests that created fear within migrant communities.
“The Finger Is Being Pointed at the Wrong People”
Mbeki acknowledged that South Africa faces significant challenges, including high unemployment and crime levels. However, he dismissed suggestions that undocumented African migrants are responsible for these problems.
According to him, blaming migrants for unemployment oversimplifies a much deeper economic issue.
“We’ve got many problems here. The problem legitimately led to high levels of unemployment; that’s correct. High levels of crime, that’s correct. But the finger is being pointed at the wrong people,” he said.
He stressed that unemployment trends in South Africa have long been linked to economic performance and policy decisions rather than immigration.
Economic Decline, Not Migration, Is the Real Issue
Mbeki pointed to South Africa’s economic history, noting that the country experienced strong growth between 1994 and 2008 before entering a period of decline.
He argued that the downturn had nothing to do with undocumented migrants and suggested that those responsible for economic setbacks have escaped accountability.
“We know the history in detail of how South Africa, from 1994 to 2008, achieved growth rates reaching 6%. From 2009, it goes the opposite direction. It isn’t caused by undocumented immigrants,” Mbeki stated.
He added that public anger is being misdirected while those responsible for economic challenges remain untouched.
“The people who caused that decline are laughing in a corner because we’re pointing not at them, but somewhere else. It’s wrong.”
Migration Will Continue, Mbeki Says
The former president also argued that migration across Africa is a reality that South Africa must learn to manage rather than fight.
According to Mbeki, people from across the continent will continue moving to South Africa regardless of political rhetoric or public hostility.
“The Africans will continue to come to South Africa. It doesn’t matter what you do,” he said.
He urged South Africans to focus on practical solutions to migration while addressing the structural causes of unemployment.
“You are not going to solve the problem of unemployment here by shouting against undocumented Africans and leaving the culprit.”
A Call for Pan-African Unity
In one of the most powerful moments of his address, Mbeki reminded South Africans of the support many African nations provided during the anti-apartheid struggle.
He said Africans across the continent share a common history and should not be treated as enemies.
According to him, turning against fellow Africans undermines the principles of solidarity that helped secure South Africa’s freedom.
“People are beating drums about the wrong people and failing to understand an organic connection between these Africans on the continent and these Africans here, because we’re together in the same struggle.”
Conclusion
Mbeki’s remarks have reignited debate over immigration, unemployment, and xenophobia in South Africa. While economic frustrations remain high, the former president insists that undocumented African migrants are being unfairly blamed for problems rooted in deeper economic and policy challenges.
His message was clear: South Africa must confront the real causes of unemployment rather than directing anger toward fellow Africans seeking better opportunities.
🔥 For the latest juice in entertainment, lifestyle, business, politics, sports, and trending stories from Ghana, Africa, and around the world, log on to Jaysonlive.com — where news meets conversation. Stay informed. Stay entertained. Stay ahead.