Former President Kgalema Motlanthe Warns of Persistent Xenophobic Violence Amid Economic Stagnation
Speaking at the Motlanthe Foundation’s winter seminar on migration, former President Kgalema Motlanthe linked South Africa’s recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence to deep‑seated government shortcomings and a lack of sustainable economic growth. He argued that when the state fails to deliver basic services and job opportunities, competition for scarce resources intensifies, creating fertile ground for exploitation by opportunistic and populist leaders.
Root Causes: Government Failure and Resource Competition
Motlanthe emphasized that the central government bears primary responsibility for addressing the conditions that fuel social unrest. He noted that South Africa’s official unemployment rate stood at 32.9 % in the second quarter of 2024, according to Statistics South Africa, while youth unemployment exceeds 45 % in many townships.
These economic pressures coincide with a sizable migrant population. The 2022 national census recorded approximately 4.2 million foreign‑born residents, representing about 7 % of the total populace. When public services such as housing, healthcare, and sanitation are already strained, perceptions arise that newcomers are “taking” limited opportunities, even though empirical studies show migrants often fill labour gaps in sectors like construction and agriculture.
- Unemployment (Q2 2024): 32.9 % overall, 45 % youth (Statistics South Africa)
- Foreign‑born population: 4.2 million (≈7 % of total) (Stats SA 2022)
- Reported xenophobic incidents in 2023: 112 cases recorded by the South African Police Service (SAPS Annual Crime Report 2023)
Political Exploitation and Populist Rhetoric
Motlanthe warned that “opportunist and populist” political actors often amplify fears of foreigners to garner support, turning legitimate service delivery grievances into xenophobic sentiment. He cited recent campaign rhetoric in several provinces where candidates blamed illegal aliens for crime spikes and housing shortages, despite limited evidence linking migration status to criminal activity.
He stressed that leadership accountability extends beyond personal conduct to the actions and narratives of those they empower. “Political leaders must know that they are responsible not only for how they lead, but also for what those who lead do,” he said, echoing principles of ethical governance advocated by institutions such as the World Bank’s Governance Global Practice.
The Need for Rapid, Listening‑Focused Response
While acknowledging President Cyril Ramaphosa’s collaboration with traditional leaders and civil society to temper tensions, Motlanthe argued that the government’s reaction has often been delayed. He called for a “rapid response” that does not require having all the answers but demonstrates genuine listening and empathy.
Such an approach aligns with conflict‑prevention best practices recommended by the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, which highlight early warning mechanisms, community dialogue, and transparent communication as critical to averting escalation.
Broader Implications for Political and Economic Stability
Motlanthe warned that unchecked xenophobic violence threatens both political legitimacy and economic investment. Social instability deters foreign direct investment, disrupts supply chains, and can lead to capital flight—outcomes that further worsen the very unemployment and service deficits that sparked the unrest.
He illustrated the contagion risk with a vivid example: “Tomorrow the people of Soweto could say the same thing about the people of Alex, and then the people of Alex could say the same thing about the people of Sandton.” This cascade effect underscores how localized frustrations can rapidly spread across urban peripheries when trust in governance erodes.
Moving Forward: Recommendations from the Motlanthe Foundation
The Motlanthe Foundation’s seminar concluded with a set of actionable proposals aimed at addressing the structural drivers of xenophobia:
- Accelerate inclusive job‑creation programmes targeting youth and low‑skill workers in townships and informal settlements.
- Strengthen intergovernmental coordination to ensure timely delivery of housing, water, and sanitation services in high‑density areas.
- Implement nationwide public‑information campaigns that dispel myths about migrants and highlight their contributions to the economy.
- Establish rapid‑response units within the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs equipped to engage community leaders at the first sign of tension.
- Monitor and regulate political rhetoric that incites hatred, applying existing hate‑speech legislation consistently and transparently.
By coupling economic revitalisation with vigilant, empathetic governance, Motlanthe believes South Africa can break the cycle of xenophobic violence and build a more cohesive, prosperous society.
