Blame African leaders for xenophobia in South Africa

Xenophobia or Afrophobia in South Africa, what a shame! This is an evidence of a failed Continent. African Leaders have failed their people. Why would Africans leave their Country of origin for uncertainty in another Country either in Africa or elsewhere? African immigrants are perishing in the Mediterranean Sea in an attempt to escape from Africa; now they are dying in the hands of their fellow Africans in South Africa.

Thousands are being scammed out of Nigeria daily by Nigerian conmen to sell all their possessions and come to South Africa on a spurious claim of opportunity for getting rich quick. When the reality dawns on these victims on arrival in South Africa, they are thrown into misery and unable to retrace their steps. A case of jumping from a frying pan to fire. Same applies to immigrants from other African Countries. In an attempt to survive, a stranded man/woman would willingly do anything including lowly jobs, fraud or crime in order to keep body and soul together.

There are many African experts working in all spheres of South African economy and are not targeted in this Afrophobia or Xenophobia crisis. Many more African experts are being headhunted for their skills by both Public and Private sectors in South Africa.

I am not in any way condoning Xenophobia or Afrophobia in South Africa but feel that the blame should be laid squarely at the doorstep of all African leaders who have made life miserable for their citizens through corruption and inept leadership. African Leaders must govern in such a way that will instil hope in the youth and discourage migration or criminal human trafficking.

It is my opinion that the Nigerian government is misinformed about South Africa’s Xenophobia attacks and hence overreacting. Majority of Nigerians are well employed in SA public service or established in the SA formal business sector and are well respected. Nigerian government must therefore act cautiously to avoid spoiling the good relationship between the two Countries.

Dr. Akinbohun wrote from South Africa.