In the wake of the recent appointment of Gayton McKenzie, a known proponent of xenophobic rhetoric, to a ministerial position, South Africa faces a pressing question: is there genuine political will to address the issue of xenophobic Afrophobia in the country?
The appointment of McKenzie, who leads the Patriotic Alliance and has previously called for – and continues with his rhetoric about – the expulsion of foreign nationals from Africa, has raised eyebrows.
Critics question whether President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government genuinely subscribes to the values of Pan-Africanism or whether these appointments are merely politically expedient manoeuvres aimed at appeasing certain voter bases.
“The implications of McKenzie’s appointment are profound. As a member of a government that should ideally champion inclusivity and unity, his presence raises concerns about the direction of South African policies regarding immigration and race relations,” said political analyst Donald Porusingazi.
He agreed with this week’s warning by former South African president Thabo Mbeki that the anti-African immigrant rhetoric by politicians could soon result in a “riotous rampage” against nationals of fellow African countries currently resident in South Africa.
“Mbeki’s assertion that figures like McKenzie contribute to an environment ripe for xenophobic violence underscores the urgent need for the Ramaphosa administration to take a firm stand against such ideologies,” the analyst said.
He noted that the juxtaposition of Mbeki’s calls for inclusion with McKenzie’s divisive rhetoric painted a troubling picture of South Africa’s political landscape.
Mbeki’s commentary in a newsletter published on Monday drew parallels between the unrest in the United Kingdom and the South African context, highlighting the potential for groups to be incited into violence by exploitative narratives.
He noted that the UK riots were fuelled by misinformation regarding a tragic incident involving a Muslim asylum seeker, revealing how easily communities can be manipulated by negative forces to scapegoat the vulnerable.
Porusingazi said the failure by Ramaphosa’s government to actively combat xenophobic sentiments by its own ministers risks undermining its credibility on the continental stage where it, on paper, subscribes to the values of Pan-Africanism.
“Furthermore, the question arises: Should South Africa, a nation grappling with its own issues of xenophobia and exclusion, be at the forefront of championing AU (African Union) causes when some of its senior officials are allowed to undermine the very values of Pan-Africanism that the government purports to champion at continental level?”
He said despite the signing of the Prevention and Combatting of Hate Crime and Hate Speech Act by Ramaphosa three months ago, no action has been taken against the likes of McKenzie who continues to spew xenophobic rhetoric against undocumented nationals from other African countries.
“He continues to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with Ramaphosa during cabinet meetings as if all is well,” said Porusingazi.
As the country navigates these turbulent waters, the jury is still out on whether Ramaphosa would take decisive action to address xenophobic Afrophobia, or would political expediency continue to overshadow genuine efforts for unity and inclusivity?
The answer to this question would not only shape South Africa’s domestic policy but also its role and reputation within the broader African context.
In a time when cooperation and solidarity are needed more than ever, the stakes could not be higher.
JN/APA