Amanze Chinonye
South African opposition leader and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) president, Julius Malema, has criticised the growing tendency to blame migrants for unemployment and crime, questioning whether the removal of foreigners from the country had translated into jobs for South Africans.
“Ghanaians are gone now, 300 of them. How many 300 jobs were created after the Ghanaians left,” Malema said while reacting to the repatriation of hundreds of Ghanaian nationals amid renewed anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa.
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Join our WhatsApp ChannelGhana Delays Evacuation of Nationals from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks
Malema argued that targeting African migrants deepens divisions created during the colonial era and risks unfairly criminalising entire communities over the actions of a few individuals.
His remarks came as the Government of Ghana confirmed the return of nearly 300 citizens from South Africa under a voluntary repatriation programme launched following weeks of anti-immigrant protests and reported attacks on foreign nationals.
The group, which included women and children, departed Johannesburg for Accra after Ghanaian authorities coordinated evacuation arrangements with South African officials. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, received the returnees on arrival and assured them of reintegration support, including psychosocial assistance and financial relief measures.
According to South African immigration officials, only a small number of the repatriated Ghanaians possessed valid residency documentation, while many others had overstayed their permits and were issued emergency travel certificates to facilitate their return home.
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Ghana Repatriates Citizen from South Africa Amid Rising Safety Concerns
The repatriation followed a wave of demonstrations in parts of South Africa, where protesters accused undocumented migrants of contributing to rising crime, unemployment and pressure on public services.
Rights groups and migration experts, however, have repeatedly warned that migrants are often being scapegoated for deeper economic and structural problems affecting the country.
More than 800 Ghanaians reportedly registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria seeking evacuation assistance as fears over safety intensified. Ghana had earlier summoned South Africa’s ambassador over reports of attacks targeting its citizens.
South African authorities have condemned xenophobic violence and pledged to act against attacks on foreign nationals, insisting that concerns over illegal immigration must be addressed within the framework of the law and constitutional protections.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
