MTN chairman says South Africa is ‘nothing without Africa’ in xenophobia warning

MTN Group chairman Mcebisi Jonas has delivered a strong rebuke of rising xenophobia in South Africa, arguing that the country’s future is inseparable from the rest of the African continent and warning that migrants are being unfairly blamed for problems rooted in government failure.

Jonas made the remarks while delivering a eulogy at the funeral of Zimbabwean-born public servant and activist Thokozani Damasane. Using the occasion to address one of South Africa’s most divisive political issues, the former deputy finance minister urged citizens to reject anti-foreigner sentiment and focus instead on tackling the country’s deep-rooted governance challenges.

He argued that unemployment, inequality, corruption and poor public services would remain even if every foreign national left South Africa. According to Jonas, weak border management, ineffective law enforcement, a struggling education system and years of institutional failure have fuelled public frustration, creating an environment where migrants have become convenient scapegoats.

Jonas also accused some politicians of exploiting public anger over immigration to boost their electoral prospects instead of offering practical solutions to the country’s economic and social problems. He said identity politics and anti-migrant rhetoric distract attention from the reforms needed to restore public confidence in the state.

Reflecting on Damasane’s life, Jonas said the late activist demonstrated that commitment to justice, integrity and public service mattered more than nationality. He described Damasane, who was born in Zimbabwe before settling in South Africa, as someone who fully embraced the country’s struggles and became an integral part of its democratic journey.

Jonas also traced modern xenophobia and tribal divisions to colonial-era strategies that encouraged Africans to see one another as rivals rather than partners. He called for South Africans to reject ethnic nationalism and rebuild what he described as a shared national consciousness based on unity and continental cooperation.

His intervention comes as South Africa prepares for nationwide demonstrations over undocumented migration and amid growing concern about the country’s relations with other African nations. Recent anti-migrant tensions have prompted fears of renewed violence and have drawn criticism from across the continent.

As chairman of MTN Group, which operates in 19 African markets, Jonas said South Africa’s economic fortunes are closely tied to those of the continent. He argued that regional cooperation, rather than division, is essential for long-term prosperity and stability, insisting that South Africa’s success cannot be separated from Africa’s wider development.

The speech has attracted widespread attention online, with supporters praising Jonas for confronting xenophobia while others argued that undocumented migration continues to place pressure on jobs, public services and infrastructure. The debate reflects the broader national conversation over immigration, economic hardship and South Africa’s role within Africa.