By Celani Sikhakhane
- Dr Makhosi Khoza says Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is ignoring the frustrations of South Africans over illegal immigration and rising crime.
- The clash follows Dlamini-Zuma’s remarks praising Nigeria’s support for South African freedom fighters during apartheid.
A war of words has broken out between two former ANC leaders over illegal immigration and the future of African unity.
Former ActionSA leader and former ANC spokesperson Dr Makhosi Khoza has launched a scathing attack on former African Union Commission chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Khoza accused Dlamini-Zuma of being out of touch with the frustrations of ordinary South Africans.
The dispute started after Dlamini-Zuma spoke at Africa Day celebrations hosted by the Assemblies of God Church in Sandton.
During her speech, Dlamini-Zuma reminded young South Africans that many African countries, including Nigeria, supported the struggle against apartheid.
She said Nigeria helped her obtain a passport during apartheid, allowing her to travel abroad when opportunities were denied to black South Africans.
Her comments came at a time when anti-illegal immigration protests were taking place in different parts of the country.
Many protesters blame undocumented migrants for crime, drug dealing, human trafficking and pressure on public services.
Khoza said Dlamini-Zuma failed to understand why many South Africans are angry.
She accused her former colleague of speaking about African unity while ignoring the realities faced by local communities.
“Dr Dlamini-Zuma talks about colonialism and the Berlin Conference that divided Africa with borders, but she does not explain why African countries chose to become independent states with their own laws and borders,” said Khoza.
She argued that every African country protects its own borders and expects visitors to respect its laws.
Khoza said South Africans should not be expected to accept people who enter the country illegally and ignore immigration laws.
She also criticised African leaders for failing to address problems in their own countries.
According to Khoza, poor governance, corruption and collapsing economies in some African states have pushed many citizens to seek opportunities in South Africa.
She said South Africa cannot continue carrying the burden alone.
Khoza called on African governments to take responsibility for their citizens living in South Africa and to work more closely with the South African government.
She suggested that African countries should budget for and assist their citizens who are living and working in South Africa.
Khoza also argued that Dlamini-Zuma’s personal experience with Nigeria during apartheid should not be used to dismiss current concerns about illegal immigration.
“Just because Nigeria helped her during apartheid does not mean South Africans must ignore the challenges created by illegal immigration today,” she said.
The debate over immigration continues to divide public opinion, with some calling for tougher border controls while others warn against blaming migrants for South Africa’s social and economic problems.
Pictured above: Dr Makhosi Khoza.
Image source: File
