Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, has condemned the rising wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, questioning the justification often given by perpetrators.
Speaking at an event marking the 14th anniversary of the Collen Mashawana Foundation, Malema challenged those attacking immigrants over job claims, asking what contributions they themselves have made to employment in the country.
His remarks come amid viral videos showing assaults on African migrants, including Nigerians, Ghanaians, and Zimbabweans.
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg also confirmed the killing of two Nigerians as tensions continue to escalate.
Malema insisted that blaming foreigners for unemployment is misplaced, noting that many of those making such claims lack the skills required in the labour market.
He added that he does not seek support from individuals who promote violence or division.
“I want to speak about the xenophobic and afrophobia that we are practicing here in South Africa today,” he said.
“I want to challenge you who say ‘Zimbabweans take your jobs, Nigerians take your jobs’ and you march, close shops, and beat up people. Tell us after doing that, how many jobs have you created?
“You beat people because they took jobs. You closed a show that hired five people and you say they take our jobs. After closing that shop, how many jobs have you created?
“Unskilled men, with no skill whatsoever, say somebody took their jobs. The skill they know is to drink and I want to pretend like revolutionaries.
“I don’t want your votes. If you behave like that, take them away. I don’t want a vote that says to me, I must hate Africans for you to vote for me. I will never do that.”