‘How Many Jobs Have You Created’, Malema Condemns Xenophobic Attacks, Challenges Perpetrators

Embattled South African opposition leader, Julius Malema, has condemned the rising wave of xenophobic violence in the country, challenging citizens who attack foreigners over alleged job losses to account for their own contributions to employment creation.

Malema made the remarks on Thursday at an event marking the 14th anniversary of the Collen Mashawana Foundation, amid renewed tensions fueled by viral videos showing violent attacks on African immigrants, particularly Nigerians, Zimbabweans, and Ghanaians.

The violence has already claimed lives. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg confirmed that two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed in the latest escalation.

Addressing the gathering, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) criticised what he described as growing “xenophobia and Afrophobia” in South Africa, warning against scapegoating foreigners for economic challenges.

“I want to speak about the xenophobic and afrophobia that we are practising here in South Africa today,” Malema said.

Challenging those who justify violence against foreign nationals, he added, “I want to challenge you who say ‘Zimbabweans take your jobs, Nigerians take your jobs’ and you march, close shops, and beat up people. Tell us after doing that, how many jobs have you created?”

Malema further argued that shutting down foreign-owned businesses only worsens unemployment, rather than solving it.

“You beat people because they took jobs. You closed a shop that hired five people and you say they take our jobs. After closing that shop, how many jobs have you created?” he asked.

He also took aim at unskilled individuals who blame immigrants for their economic hardship.

“Unskilled men, with no skill whatsoever, say somebody took their jobs. The skill they know is to drink and I want to pretend like revolutionaries,” he said.

In a pointed political statement, Malema distanced himself from supporters who promote anti-foreigner sentiment, insisting he would not trade principles for electoral gain.

“I don’t want your votes. If you behave like that, take them away. I don’t want a vote that says to me I must hate Africans for you to vote for me. I will never do that,” he declared.

The comments come as concerns mount over the resurgence of xenophobic violence in South Africa, with rights groups and diplomatic missions calling for urgent intervention to protect foreign nationals and prevent further loss of life.