MTN Boss Jonas Urges Africa Unity, Blasts SA's Xenophobic Turn as State Failure

State Collapse, Not Migrants, Root of SA's Problems – Jonas

MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas has delivered a forceful critique of South Africa's rising xenophobic sentiment, arguing that blaming foreign nationals diverts attention from systemic state failure and governance collapse. Speaking at the funeral of Zimbabwean-born activist Thokozani Damasane, Jonas warned that scapegoating migrants threatens both South Africa's future and its ties across Africa.

Jonas rejected the notion that expelling foreigners would solve the country's deep-rooted economic crises. "Foreigners can leave tomorrow, inequality will be with us," he said. "Foreigners will leave tomorrow, unemployment will be with us. Foreigners will leave tomorrow, our police will remain corrupt." The MTN executive pointed instead to weak institutions, failed border management, and compromised law enforcement as the real culprits.

Challenging tribal and ethnic divisions as colonial legacies, Jonas argued that identity politics now fuel discrimination across the continent. He criticised liberation movements for sustaining ethnic nationalism for political gain, calling for Africa to "banish" ethno-nationalism. Damasane, who relocated from Zimbabwe post-apartheid, embodied the humanist values Jonas championed—prioritising shared humanity over national origin.

Jonas warned that politicians exploit public frustration over unemployment and inequality to advance personal agendas rather than address root causes. "When people feel the burn, they become vulnerable to politicians whose sole purpose is to be elected and re-elected," he said. His intervention reflects growing concern among South African business leaders that xenophobic narratives undermine both regional stability and economic prospects across Africa.