Motlanthe says anti-migrant protests will not solve South Africa’s unemployment crisis

By Charmaine Ndlela

Former president Kgalema Motlanthe has warned that attacks on foreign nationals will not solve South Africa’s unemployment crisis, arguing that migration has been central to the country’s economic development for more than a century and that government must maintain authority to prevent lawlessness.

Delivering the keynote address at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Winter Seminar in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Thursday, Motlanthe said recent demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants reflected growing competition for scarce jobs and resources in poor communities, but cautioned political leaders against inflaming tensions.

“The recent spate of demonstrations against so-called foreign nationals highlights the competition for limited resources and opportunities in South Africa’s poorest communities,” Motlanthe said.

He said the structure of the economy meant government must remain firmly in control as it responds to the challenges facing the unemployed, the poor and the marginalised.

Motlanthe warned that any failure by government to maintain authority would