By: Bright Ntuli
EFF leader Julius Malema says international powers have largely ignored what he described as growing xenophobic tensions in South Africa because it does not serve their interests to intervene.
Malema was speaking at the funeral service of MK Party parliamentary deputy chief whip, Muzi Ntshingila, in Johannesburg on Sunday, where he addressed issues affecting African unity and solidarity on the continent.
He argued that foreign governments and international organisations have remained silent on incidents of xenophobia in South Africa, despite their vocal responses to other conflicts and humanitarian crises around the world.
Malema called on Africans to avoid being divided by internal disputes, including xenophobia and tensions surrounding the ownership and operation of spaza shops. He said such issues risk distracting communities from broader socio-economic challenges facing the continent.
According to Malema, Africans should remain united and focus their efforts on the struggle for economic liberation, job creation and improved living conditions. He stressed that solidarity among African nations is essential to addressing poverty, inequality and underdevelopment.
The EFF leader reiterated his party’s position that African unity should take precedence over divisions that weaken collective efforts to achieve economic freedom and social justice.
