“Former President Thabo Mbeki Sparks Fierce Debate After Calling South Africa’s Anti-Immigrant Marches ‘Anti-African’ And Warning That Rising Hostility Toward Foreign Nationals Threatens African Unity”
Former President Thabo Mbeki has ignited major political debate after strongly condemning the growing anti-immigrant marches taking place across South Africa, describing the protests as “anti-African” during a public address that quickly went viral online.
Mbeki warned that hostility toward African foreign nationals goes against the spirit of Pan-African unity and undermines the values many African leaders fought for during the liberation struggle. His comments come as tensions continue rising in several communities where residents accuse undocumented immigrants of contributing to crime, unemployment, pressure on public services and business competition.
The former president’s remarks immediately divided South Africans on social media, with supporters praising him for defending African solidarity and human rights, while critics accused him of ignoring the frustrations of ordinary citizens struggling with poverty, unemployment and collapsing service delivery.
Anti-illegal immigration movements such as March and March have gained attention in recent months, organizing demonstrations demanding stronger border control, mass deportations and tougher immigration enforcement. Supporters of the marches argue that the government has failed to protect local communities and secure the country’s borders.
However, human rights groups and pro-migrant activists continue warning that growing anti-foreigner sentiment could fuel xenophobic violence similar to the deadly attacks South Africa experienced in previous years.
Mbeki’s intervention has now added fuel to an already explosive national debate over immigration, borders, identity and economic pressure in South Africa, with many asking whether the country can balance African unity with the growing demands from citizens calling for stricter immigration controls.