Xenophobic movements in South Africa ignore state capture and corruption, focusing on foreigners
via The Namibian6 min read
Xenophobic movements in South Africa, particularly those advocating for the 'abahambe' let them go call, are criticized for their indifference to state capture, high-level corruption, and massive corporate fraud. The article argues that these movements exhibit a lack of courage in confronting the true causes of South Africa's developmental failures. It highlights that the idea of three million foreigners leaving the country would not solve socioeconomic problems like unemployment, housing shortages, or healthcare issues, as these are exacerbated by systemic corruption rather than immigration. The author points to numerous scandals, including the Collen Mashawana and IDT's Expanded Public Works Programme fiasco, the R836-million oxygen plants debacle, the Steinhoff avarice, VBS, Bosasa, and the Tembisa Hospital mob, among others. These incidents have squandered immense public funds that could have addressed the very concerns xenophobic groups attribute to foreigners. The article notes that while the Gupta/Zuma nexus did inspire dissent, other significant graft scandals and corporate scams have largely gone without outcry from anti-foreigner blocs. Examples include Collen Mashawana's foundation allegedly stealing job opportunities from vulnerable South Africans and former Free State Premier Ace Magashule's daughter benefiting from a dubious property deal that led to job losses. The author concludes that those promoting the expulsion of foreign nationals as a solution for South
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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