MTN Chairman Mcebisi Jonas Says Deporting Foreigners Won't Solve South Africa's Problems Amid Rising Xenophobia

MTN Chairman Mcebisi Jonas Says Deporting Foreigners Won't Solve South Africa's Problems

Johannesburg, South Africa – June 2026

MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas has spoken out against rising xenophobia and anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, warning that blaming immigrants for the country's challenges will not address the deeper issues facing the nation.

Speaking during the funeral of Zimbabwean-born activist Thokozani Damasane, Jonas said South Africa's future is closely linked to the rest of the African continent and urged citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and violence directed at foreign nationals.

"South Africa is nothing without Africa, and Africa is nothing without South Africa," he said.

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'Foreigners Are Not the Cause of South Africa's Problems'

In his remarks, Jonas rejected claims that deporting immigrants would solve South Africa's social and economic difficulties.

"Foreigners can leave tomorrow, inequality will still be with us. Foreigners can leave tomorrow, unemployment will still be with us," he said.

He argued that the country's biggest problems stem from:

• High levels of inequality;
• Corruption and mismanagement;
• Weak governance;
• Failing public institutions;
• Poor service delivery.

According to Jonas, these long-standing challenges cannot be solved simply by removing foreign nationals from the country.

Government Failures Under Scrutiny

The former investment envoy also criticized the government's handling of immigration and border management.

He said authorities have struggled to:

• Secure national borders;
• Properly manage migration;
• Enforce existing laws;
• Provide essential public services.

Jonas warned that these shortcomings have created frustration among citizens, which some political figures have exploited by blaming migrants for economic and social hardships.

Analysts have previously noted that concerns about unemployment, crime, and public services have fueled periodic anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, despite studies showing that the causes of these problems are complex and multifaceted.

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Rising Xenophobia in South Africa

South Africa has experienced several waves of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with foreign nationals from other African countries often becoming targets of attacks, looting, and intimidation.

Communities from countries including:

• Zimbabwe;
• Mozambique;
• Nigeria;
• Ethiopia;
• Somalia;
• Malawi;

have at various times reported discrimination and violence.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that xenophobia threatens social cohesion and damages South Africa's reputation as one of Africa's leading economies.

Warning Against Tribalism and Ethnic Division

Jonas also criticized tribalism and ethnic nationalism, describing them as harmful legacies that continue to divide African societies.

He urged South Africans to reject identity-based politics and warned that ethnic divisions can fuel discrimination and violence.

"We must banish these divisions," he said, arguing that Africans should not allow historical and political differences to undermine continental unity.

Remembering Thokozani Damasane

Reflecting on the life of the late activist Thokozani Damasane, Jonas praised him for embracing South Africa and dedicating much of his life to the country's progress.

According to Jonas, Damasane had warned that worsening inequality, corruption, and the failure to fulfil the ideals of liberation could eventually force many South Africans to seek opportunities abroad, much like many migrants who have come to South Africa in search of a better life.

His comments highlighted the interconnected nature of migration across Africa and the shared challenges faced by many countries on the continent.

South Africa's Economic Ties to the Continent

Jonas emphasized that South Africa's economy is deeply connected to the rest of Africa.

The country:

• Trades extensively with neighboring states;
• Hosts millions of migrants and visitors from across the continent;
• Is home to several multinational companies operating throughout Africa;
• Benefits from regional investment and economic cooperation.

He argued that prosperity in South Africa cannot be separated from the broader development of Africa.

Debate Over Immigration Continues

Immigration remains one of South Africa's most debated political issues.

Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue that:

• Border controls need to be strengthened;
• Illegal migration should be reduced;
• Public resources are under pressure.

However, critics warn that anti-immigrant rhetoric can fuel discrimination and violence and distract from structural problems such as unemployment, economic inequality, and corruption.

Call for Unity

Concluding his remarks, Jonas said that people should never be judged or have their worth determined solely by their country of origin.

His speech has sparked renewed discussion about migration, identity, and South Africa's role within the African continent, with many viewing his comments as a call for unity and a reminder that many of the country's challenges require long-term structural solutions rather than simple scapegoats.

As South Africa continues to grapple with economic difficulties and social tensions, the debate over immigration and national identity is likely to remain a major issue in the country's political landscape.