Nothing will ever justify xenophobia, says Mmusi Maimane

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane has warned that hatred of fellow Africans will not solve South Africa’s healthcare crisis, that xenophobia will not create jobs, and that violence against immigrants will not restore safety to communities.

Speaking at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg on Monday to mark Africa Day, Maimane said South Africa’s status as the continent’s most industrialised and economically sophisticated country had made it both an attractive destination and a home for people from many African nations.

But he said life was becoming harder for too many South Africans, with economic growth remaining painfully low and struggling even to reach 1%.

“There is a shortage of housing, pressure on healthcare facilities, rising unemployment, and growing insecurity in many communities. Communities feel abandoned,” Maimane said.

“South Africans feel economically cornered. Migrants often live in fear