MTN Chairman Blames State Failure for Rising Xenophobia in South Africa

MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas has strongly condemned the escalating xenophobia in South Africa, labeling it a direct consequence of governance failures that politicians are exploiting. Jonas asserted that the anti-foreigner sentiment is not rooted in the actions of migrants but rather in the state's inability to address deep-seated socio-economic problems.

Jonas delivered his critique at the funeral of Thokozani Damasane, a Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant. He found it particularly ironic to be honoring a man dedicated to South Africa's progress while simultaneously hearing calls for foreigners to leave the country. "I was thinking, what is home to Damasane?" Jonas reflected. "I understood very early in life that home is where humanity is. Home is about humanness. It is about the good of humanity and striving for the good of humanity."

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I was thinking, what is home to Damasane? I understood very early in life that home is where humanity is. Home is about humanness. It is about the good of humanity and striving for the good of humanity.

The former Deputy Minister of Finance praised Damasane for immersing himself in South African struggles after relocating during the post-apartheid era. Jonas stated that Damasane became "one of us" and that his strengths and weaknesses reflected those of South Africans.

Jonas argued that scapegoating foreigners for the nation's economic and social difficulties diverts attention from critical issues such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, and inadequate service delivery. He believes xenophobia has become a convenient political tool for leaders seeking to capitalize on public frustration. As chairman of MTN Group, Jonas advocates for regional integration and economic cooperation, urging South Africans to reject divisive narratives and build an inclusive society based on shared humanity, justice, and equal opportunity.

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He immersed himself deeply into the struggles and pains of South Africans, and he became one of us. In Damasane’s strength, our strength as South Africans is reflected, and in his weaknesses, our own weaknesses are reflected.