South African opposition leader Julius Malema has criticized recent xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, warning that violence and hostility will not solve the country's unemployment challenges.
Malema spoke on Thursday at an event to mark the 14th anniversary of the Collen Mashwana Foundation, where he addressed rising tensions over claims that immigrants are responsible for job losses.
His comments come amid viral videos showing attacks on African migrants, including citizens of Ghana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, as well as the closure of foreign-owned businesses.
The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) challenged those involved in such actions to consider their impact, and questioned whether they had created jobs after targeting foreign-owned businesses.
“You say foreigners are taking jobs, yet after they closed their businesses, how many jobs have you created?” he asked.
Malema argued that unemployment could not be solved through violence, saying that skills development and economic participation were more sustainable solutions.
He also distanced himself from political endorsements motivated by anti-foreign sentiments and said that he would not seek or accept endorsements based on hatred of other Africans.
He said, “I will not accept votes that would require me to promote hatred against fellow Africans.”
He called on citizens to move away from xenophobia while urging them to focus on economic challenges and constructive approaches to national development.