Former South African minister: “Well-funded campaign’ behind xenophobic protests”.
JOHANNESBURG (NAIJA TV/Culled from Nigeria 24) — Former Minister of Social Development Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi has raised alarm over the use of artificial intelligence and bots to fuel xenophobic sentiment in South Africa, suggesting the anti-immigrant movement is being driven by a “well-funded campaign” with external interests.
Speaking on the Talking Point TV show, Fraser-Moleketi pointed to the coordinated nature of online narratives targeting foreign nationals, noting that the use of AI-generated comments indicates sophisticated backing.
“Around this migration debate, there’s been the use of AI, and in particular bots, to generate a particular narrative,” she said. “That shows that this is a well-funded campaign.”
The former minister questioned why there appears to be a coordinated effort to isolate South Africa from its African neighbours.
“Why is it that it seems as though there’s a radical right interest to isolate South Africa from its African neighbours?” she asked, suggesting that the country’s foreign policy positions—including its stance at the International Court of Justice—may be a factor.
Fraser-Moleketi warned South Africans against being used by unscrupulous politicians and external forces to direct their anger at the wrong targets.
“I may be marching because genuinely there’s a concern around poverty, unemployment, and hunger, but I take out my concern on the woman who sells tomatoes at the side of the road,” she said.
She cautioned that when that woman is no longer there, the problem will not be solved. “She wasn’t the real enemy. The enemy is looking at challenges in the South African economy,” she added.
Her remarks add a new dimension to the ongoing debate about xenophobia in South Africa, suggesting that the violence and hostility toward foreign nationals may be part of a broader, orchestrated campaign with geopolitical implications. Read more via www.NIGERIA24. ng