South African political firebrand and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has strongly condemned xenophobic attacks in South Africa and called for deeper economic collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa to foster unity, prosperity, and pan-African progress.
Speaking during a press conference in Johannesburg, Malema decried the persistent violence targeting foreign nationals—particularly Nigerians—as “un-African” and counterproductive to the continent’s shared destiny. He urged South Africans to reject divisive narratives and instead embrace economic partnerships that create jobs and opportunities across borders.
“South Africa cannot rise while our African brothers and sisters fall. Nigerians are not our enemies—they are partners in building a stronger, united Africa,” Malema emphasized.
Highlighting Nigeria’s influential role in Africa’s tech, entertainment, and energy sectors, Malema proposed the creation of bilateral platforms to encourage trade, innovation, and youth empowerment. He also suggested joint infrastructure investments and relaxed visa policies to promote intercontinental mobility and business cooperation.
Malema’s remarks come at a crucial time as both nations seek to recover from economic slowdowns and geopolitical tensions. With Nigeria and South Africa being Africa’s largest economies, stronger collaboration could unlock unprecedented growth across key industries, from agriculture to digital finance.
In response, Nigerian lawmakers and civil society groups have welcomed Malema’s stance, calling it a step in the right direction toward reducing hostilities and building trust between the two powerhouse nations.
As xenophobic rhetoric resurfaces in parts of South Africa, Malema’s bold appeal underscores the need for visionary leadership that places African unity and economic interdependence above fear and division.
