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ANC Takes a Dual Stance on Foreign Nationals as Tensions Escalate in South Africa
Mdumiseni Ntuli, the African National Congress (ANC) Chief Whip, addressed the media in Parliament this week, condemning both xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals and what he described as “arrogance and contempt” displayed by some migrants toward South Africa’s laws and people — as a wave of anti-migrant violence continues to shake the country.
A Clear Rejection of Xenophobia
Ntuli was unambiguous on one point: attacks on foreign nationals are unacceptable. “We reject xenophobia. We reject the demonisation of African migrants,” he declared, adding that “no one should be attacked” and that people must never confuse criminality with nationality.
He also condemned unlawful conduct against foreign nationals regardless of their immigration status — a significant statement at a time when undocumented migrants have been specifically targeted in recent protests and violent incidents.
But the ANC Also Pushes Back on Migrants’ Conduct
In the same breath, Ntuli made clear that Pan-Africanism does not come without conditions. The ANC caucus strongly condemned what it called the behaviour of some foreign nationals who show “arrogance and contempt” toward South Africa, its people, and its laws.
Ntuli also took aim at foreign diplomats, warning against statements from certain consulates and ambassadors that seek to condemn or isolate South Africa — without, he argued, taking responsibility for the economic conditions driving their own citizens to emigrate.
A Call for Regional Economic Solutions
Rather than framing migration purely as a security issue, Ntuli called for a regional approach to address the root causes — particularly the economic struggles facing South Africa’s neighbouring countries. This positions the ANC closer to a structural analysis of migration, rather than a purely punitive one.
His remarks align with those of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who also spoke out against xenophobia while tabling the Presidency’s budget before the National Assembly. Ramaphosa argued that well-managed migration can drive growth and create opportunities, but stressed the urgent need to tackle illegal immigration, which he said puts pressure on public services and undermines job creation.
Why This Matters for Young Africans
South Africa has seen a sharp rise in protest action — and in some cases violence — targeting foreign nationals or South Africans mistaken for migrants in recent weeks. The ANC’s dual messaging reflects a broader tension across the continent: how to uphold Pan-African solidarity while managing real economic pressures felt by millions of young South Africans.
For the 15-to-25 age group on both sides of these borders, the stakes are high — from job competition and access to services, to the fundamental right to move freely and safely across Africa.
