MTN Group chairman Mcebisi Jonas has delivered one of the strongest public criticisms yet by a leading African business executive of South Africa’s growing anti-foreigner sentiment, arguing that immigrants are being unfairly blamed for problems caused by years of state failure, corruption and poor governance.
Speaking at the funeral of Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant Thokozani Damasane, Jonas said South Africa’s economic and social challenges would not disappear even if every foreign national left the country.
“Foreigners can leave tomorrow, inequality will still be with us. Foreigners can leave tomorrow, unemployment will still be with us. Foreigners can leave tomorrow, our police will remain corrupt,” he told mourners.
The remarks have attracted wide attention because they move beyond a traditional funeral tribute to directly address one of South Africa’s most sensitive political issues. They also represent a rare intervention from the chairman of one of Africa’s largest multinational companies, whose
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