MTN Chairman Links Xenophobia to State Failure in SA

Mcebisi Jonas, the Chairman of MTN Group, criticized the rising xenophobia in South Africa, attributing it to state failure and the exploitation of political leaders who refuse to address the country's deep-rooted socio-economic challenges. He made these remarks during the funeral of Thokozani Damasan, a Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant.

Jonas described the growing hostility towards foreign nationals as a reflection of government failure rather than the actions of migrants. He urged South Africans to embrace humanity instead of division, highlighting the irony of calls for foreigners to leave the country while honoring Damasan, who dedicated his life to serving South Africa.

Jonas emphasized that blaming foreigners for the country's economic and social difficulties serves as a convenient political tool for leaders to distract from issues like unemployment, poverty, and inadequate service delivery. He called for stronger regional economic integration and political stability across Africa, insisting that the future of South Africa depends on building an inclusive society based on shared human justice and equal opportunity.