MTN Chairman Links Xenophobia to Governance Failures
MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas has strongly condemned the rising anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, asserting that xenophobia is a direct consequence of state failure and is being manipulated by politicians for electoral gains.
Speaking at the funeral service of Zimbabwean-born activist Thokozani Damasane in Johannesburg, Jonas used his eulogy to address South Africa’s persistent challenges with immigration and social cohesion.
He emphasized that blaming foreign nationals for the country's socioeconomic difficulties diverts attention from more profound governance shortcomings. Jonas stated, “Foreigners can leave tomorrow, inequality will be with us. Foreigners will leave tomorrow, unemployment will be with us. Foreigners will leave tomorrow, our police will remain corrupt.”
Jonas further argued that the nation’s problems largely stem from weaknesses in governance, poor border management, ineffective law enforcement, and failures in public service delivery. He explicitly noted, “The problem is the failure of the state. The state doesn’t manage immigration. It doesn’t manage its borders. It doesn’t enforce law enforcement. It doesn’t manage education.”
He cautioned that citizens, frustrated by economic hardship, are becoming susceptible to political actors who use foreigners as scapegoats instead of tackling structural issues.
Condemning Tribalism and Championing African Unity
Jonas also criticized tribalism and ethnic nationalism, describing them as divisive forces that continue to undermine African unity. He contended that colonial systems institutionalized tribal divisions, and modern political actors continue to exploit such divisions for political advantage.
“The tribe is a product of colonial powers,” Jonas said, urging South Africans to reject ethnic nationalism and embrace a broader sense of national and continental identity.
He underscored that South Africa’s prosperity is intricately linked to the fortunes of the wider African continent, stating, “We are a nation embedded in Africa. South Africa is nothing without Africa. And Africa is nothing without South Africa.”
Jonas also stressed that individuals should not be judged based on their nationality or origin, asserting, “We cannot judge people by their origin. We cannot determine the legal status of people by their origin.”
He highlighted the life of the late Damasane, who was born and educated in Zimbabwe but relocated to South Africa after apartheid, becoming deeply involved in community and public service. Jonas noted that Damasane “immersed himself deeply into the struggles, into the pains of South Africans, and he became one of us,” demonstrating that identity should be defined by shared values and contributions.
MTN's Stake in Regional Stability
The comments by the MTN Group Chairman carry particular significance given MTN’s extensive operations across Africa. The telecommunications giant operates in 19 markets across West, East, and Southern Africa, making regional stability and cross-border cooperation crucial to its long-term business interests.
Earlier, MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, had cautioned against growing calls across parts of Africa to boycott pan-African businesses. He warned that such actions could undermine youth employment, digital transformation, and the continent’s broader economic integration agenda, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Mupita acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding recent developments but confirmed that the company had not experienced any direct impact on its operations.
