Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has warned that “xenophobic Afrophobia” could be used to incite unrest in South Africa, drawing comparisons to recent riots in the United Kingdom. In a newsletter published Monday, Mbeki expressed concern that marginalized and excluded groups in South Africa might be exploited by negative forces, leading to potential violence.
Mbeki referenced riots in the UK that erupted after the murder of three children, where false claims that the perpetrator was an illegal immigrant fueled widespread violence. Despite clarifications from authorities, the unrest persisted, with attacks on a mosque and police officers.
Drawing parallels to South Africa, Mbeki suggested that similar unrest could occur if the grievances of those who feel abandoned are not addressed. He specifically criticized Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie, accusing him of promoting divisive rhetoric that could contribute to such instability.
McKenzie and his Patriotic Alliance party have been vocal in their anti-immigrant stance, with the slogan “They must go” resonating among those calling for the expulsion of foreign nationals. Mbeki cautioned that such sentiments could be exploited by those seeking to destabilize the country.
The former president stressed the importance of integrating all citizens into a cohesive national narrative to prevent the exploitation of disillusioned groups and to avoid a potential repeat of the violence seen in the UK. Mbeki’s comments highlight the ongoing challenges of addressing xenophobia and promoting unity in South Africa.
