Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has rubbished claims that foreign nationals are to be blamed for unemployment in South Africa, describing such arguments as false and divisive amid renewed xenophobic tensions in parts of the country.
He said this, among other things, in reaction to the Ghanaian government evacuating the first batch of 300 citizens from South Africa following recent attacks targeting foreign nationals.
In a video circulating on social media, Malema questioned the narrative that migrants take away employment opportunities from South Africans, arguing that the departure of Ghanaians had not translated into jobs for locals.
“Because Ghanaians are gone, 300 of them. How many 300 jobs were created after the Ghanaians had left? So, it’s just a myth, it’s a lie, which they are using to further divide us, to perpetuate colonial divisions that were created in the past,” he said.
Julius Malema rejects claims foreigners take South African jobs
According to the EFF leader, blaming migrants for unemployment only deepens divisions created during the colonial era.
He also questioned the continued emphasis on African borders, arguing that the continent’s borders were imposed through colonial systems.
“The borders are actually the most practical thing that was brought about by colonialism. And you can’t say you are against colonialism, but you support the borders. It’s never consistent like that,” he stated.
Malema’s remarks come at a time when tensions over immigration and unemployment continue to fuel anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa.
Ghana evacuates citizens after xenophobic attacks
The Ghanaian government began an emergency evacuation exercise after weeks of growing xenophobic tensions and attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The first batch of evacuees arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on May 27, 2026, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa.
Among the returnees were 26 individuals who had previously been detained in South African prisons over visa-related offences but were later released following diplomatic engagement between both countries.
Malema says Ghana reacted too quickly
Malema also described Ghana’s evacuation decision as “unnecessary” and “too quick”, insisting that the attacks were being carried out by only a small section of South African society.
According to him, the Ghanaian government should have prioritised diplomatic engagement while authorities dealt with the situation internally.
“The Ghana response was not necessary because it now creates an impression that we are all like that, when it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement,” he said.
He added:
“So we think it was too quick. We will still resolve this, and the President of Ghana should have given us some time to really deal with this matter and we will get to the bottom of it.”
The South African politician acknowledged that the issue remained emotional but maintained that the actions of a few individuals should not define the entire country.
“We don’t think Ghana responded in a manner that really reinforces dialogue and diplomatic engagement. It actually creates a very bad and extreme situation. It is a selected few, and we are persuading government to act against those few,” he stated.
More Ghanaians expected to return from South Africa
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced a reintegration package for returnees, including temporary accommodation, transportation, counselling, financial assistance, and support to access employment opportunities.
Government officials say more than 800 Ghanaians have so far registered for voluntary evacuation, with additional flights expected in the coming days as authorities continue monitoring the situation in South Africa.
The incident has reignited conversations across Africa about xenophobia, migration, unemployment, and regional solidarity within the continent.
