Joseph Mark Bazie: "Courage to the Victims of This Barbarity, Who Left in Search of a Better Life but Became Victims of Intolerance" — What Can Be Said About Xenophobic Violence in South Africa?

Opinion by Joseph Mark Bazie, Historian and Political Analyst

In this opinion piece, historian and political analyst Joseph Mark Bazie examines the resurgence of xenophobic violence in South Africa following the expiration of the June 30, 2026 ultimatum. Drawing on historical context, political analysis, and the legacy of the anti-apartheid struggle, he questions the responsibility of South Africa's political leadership and denounces the silence of the African Union while calling for African solidarity and accountability.

What can be said about the xenophobic acts taking place in South Africa?

Since the end of the June 30, 2026 ultimatum, black African nationals from other African countries have become victims of violence of every kind. This is happening under the guilty watch of South Africa's political class and in the shameful silence of the African Union.

Have those South Africans who proudly identify themselves as warriors and heirs of Shaka Zulu forgotten their own history? Your courage should be demonstrated on other battlefields—not in xenophobia. We would have been proud to see your determination reflected in the many sectors of the economy that were once considered unprofitable by many South Africans but have since been transformed by expatriates who overcame enormous obstacles to make them productive. We would also have been proud to see you confront the real challenges and the true causes of rising youth unemployment, for those truly responsible for your hardships are much closer than you think.

There is no need to remind anyone of the immense contribution made by black African peoples in the struggle against apartheid. This system of racial segregation, imposed by the white minority to confine black South Africans to townships and extreme poverty, sparked outrage around the world, especially across Africa. An international wave of solidarity emerged to bring this injustice to an end. Thousands lost their lives, and countless others saw their futures shattered. Among those who died were your brothers from neighboring countries—Zimbabweans, Angolans, Zambians, Tanzanians, Guineans, and many others.

After his release from prison and his election to power, Nelson Mandela, the iconic leader of that struggle, rejected one path above all others: revenge. He believed that every nation experiences periods of crisis and that such moments are part of humanity's evolution. The struggle against apartheid belonged to his generation, and it had to be fought. That is why he established the Truth and Reconciliation process, seeking to heal the wounds of the past and encourage forgiveness among Black, White, Coloured, and Indian South Africans.

During his presidency, Mandela also introduced a policy of positive discrimination aimed at opening opportunities for black South Africans in positions and professions from which they had long been excluded. While this policy sought to narrow the gap between black and white communities, it unfortunately also contributed to the emergence of a black political elite living in striking privilege.

Recognizing that they could no longer monopolize political power after universal suffrage was granted, many members of the white minority shifted their influence toward the economy. They became the financial backers of political leaders. Those who control economic power often exert significant influence over political power. From Nelson Mandela to Thabo Mbeki, South Africa experienced relative economic stability, with GDP growth averaging between 3 and 6 percent from 1995 to 2008. This progress was largely attributed to responsible governance and efforts to reduce corruption.

Unfortunately, since 2008, South Africa has experienced a succession of leaders described as mediocre and corrupt, who have pushed the genuine concerns of young people aside in favor of personal ambitions and political patronage. Public policies on employment and education have suffered structural failures, and successive programs have been unable to create effective pathways between education and the labor market, contributing to persistently high youth unemployment.

Faced with these failures, the political class found it convenient to seek a scapegoat by blaming immigrants. Since the beginning of the ultimatum, what concrete action has been taken to bring these misguided young people back to reason? Can a small group substitute itself for the authority of the state in a sovereign nation? Observing these events reveals troubling signs of state complicity. How can individuals be brutally assaulted in the presence of law enforcement officers? What a disgrace. Have you forgotten your own history?

When Steve Biko founded the Black Consciousness Movement during the 1970s, at the height of apartheid, he understood a profound truth: the political and social liberation of Black people had to begin with psychological liberation. As he famously declared, "The most powerful weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed."

To the young people of South Africa: your fellow Africans are not responsible for your problems. The primary responsibility lies with your political leaders. Beyond that, each citizen must also accept responsibility for the future of the nation.

Put an end to this abomination. It is unworthy of your generation. Regain your sense of purpose. Draw inspiration from the determination and resilience of those immigrants who succeeded in building a place for themselves in your country. Challenge corruption within your political leadership, and you will discover that many of your problems can indeed be addressed.

Your hero, Nelson Mandela, never wished for this. Do not let his legacy die a second time. Steve Biko never wished for this either. Develop the consciousness he called for. Your African brothers are not the cause of your suffering. The true responsibility lies with your political leaders.

As for the shameful silence of the African Union, little more needs to be said. The organization appears to have lost its soul. It resembles, metaphorically, the medical condition known as Cotard syndrome—an institution behaving as though it has ceased to possess the vitality and purpose for which it was created. What a tragedy. An organization increasingly resembling a coalition of disconnected and delusional leaders.

"Courage to all the victims of this barbarity, who left in search of a better life but became victims of intolerance."