Julius Malema Urges Diplomatic Patience Amid Ghana‑South Africa Xenophobia Tensions
On the sidelines of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Africa Day summit, party leader Julius Malema called for restraint in Ghana’s decision to repatriate its citizens from South Africa amid rising reports of xenophobic violence. Malema argued that Pretoria should have been afforded more time to address the attacks through diplomatic engagement and law‑enforcement action before the matter was escalated to the African Union (AU).
Background of the Incidents
Between January and April 2024, several Ghanaian nationals residing in Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria reported incidents of intimidation, assault and property damage. Human‑rights monitors documented at least 27 verified cases of violence targeting foreign‑owned businesses and individuals during this period [1]. Local police statements acknowledged that investigations were opened, but community leaders said response times were often delayed, prompting concerns about inadequate protection for legally residing migrants.
The pattern of violence has been linked to loosely organized groups such as “March and March,” which have publicly called for the removal of foreign traders from township markets [2]. Analysts warn that such rhetoric exacerbates social tensions and risks damaging South Africa’s pan‑African diplomatic standing.
Malema’s Remarks at the EFF Africa Day Summit
Speaking to journalists, Malema said:
“We believe it happened too quickly… The President of Ghana should have given us some time to really look into this matter and we will get to the bottom of it… Those who do not feel safe, especially those who have legal status, should be given the opportunity to seek safety and they will be directed to lawful places where they will be taken to safety.”
He emphasized that the violence appears to be driven by “a certain section of our society” and warned that blanket repatriation could unfairly label all South Africans as hostile to African migrants. Malema urged the South African government to extend protection to documented foreigners while pursuing perpetrators through the criminal justice system.
Ghana’s Response and Repatriation Effort
In response to the escalating incidents, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the voluntary repatriation of approximately 150 Ghanaian nationals** who expressed fear for their safety [3]. The government also indicated its intention to bring the matter before the AU’s Peace and Security Council, citing alleged violations of the AU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Xenophobia.
Ghanaian officials argued that the swift action was necessary to protect citizens whose trust in local law enforcement had eroded. They reiterated that diplomatic channels remained open, but felt that immediate evacuation was warranted given the perceived lack of decisive intervention by South African authorities.
South African Government’s Stance
The Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) described Ghana’s decision to pursue an AU debate as “regrettable.” In a statement issued earlier this month, the government affirmed its commitment to “constructive dialogue” with Accra and stressed that bilateral engagement would have been preferable to continental escalation [4].
DIRCO highlighted that, following the April Freedom Day commemorations, President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly condemned vigilante attacks and instructed police stations nationwide to prioritize investigations into xenophobic crime. The ministry added that specialized units had been deployed to hotspot areas and that over 40 arrests** had been made in connection with the reported incidents by mid‑May 2024 [5].
Implications for Regional Relations
Observers note that the episode underscores the fragility of migrant‑host relations in South Africa, a country that hosts an estimated 4.2 million foreign nationals**—about 7 % of its total population [6]. Continued outbreaks of violence could deter investment, affect remittance flows, and provoke retaliatory measures from other African states.
Analysts suggest that a sustained, multi‑pronged approach—combining swift law‑enforcement action, community‑based conflict‑resolution programs, and transparent diplomatic communication—is essential to restore confidence among migrant communities and preserve South Africa’s reputation as a champion of African unity.
Sources:
- [1] African Centre for Migration & Society, “Xenophobic Violence Tracker – Q1 2024,” accessed May 2024.
- [2] Reuters, “South Africa’s township vigilante groups target foreign traders,” 12 March 2024.
- [3] Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Press Release on Repatriation of Citizens, 22 April 2024.
- [4] Department of International Relations and Cooperation (South Africa), Statement on Ghana‑SA Relations, 5 May 2024.
- [5] South African Police Service, Monthly Crime Statistics – Xenophobia‑Related Offences, April‑May 2024.
- [6] Statistics South Africa, Mid‑year Population Estimates 2024, Table 2.3.
