MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas has said South Africa’s economic and social problems are rooted in poor governance rather than the presence of foreign nationals, urging leaders to address the country’s structural failures instead of blaming immigrants.
Speaking at the funeral of Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant Thokozani Damasane in Johannesburg, Jonas argued that expelling foreigners would not eliminate unemployment, inequality or corruption. He said the country’s challenges stem from weak institutions, poor border management, ineffective law enforcement and failures in public administration.
Jonas also accused some politicians of exploiting public frustration by directing blame at foreign nationals instead of tackling governance issues. According to him, such rhetoric distracts from the real causes of South Africa’s difficulties.
Paying tribute to Damasane, Jonas described him as a man whose life demonstrated that a person’s contribution should be measured by character and service rather than nationality. He said South Africans should reject discrimination based on origin and embrace the values of humanity and inclusion.
The former deputy finance minister also criticised identity politics and ethnic divisions, arguing that they continue to fuel discrimination across the country. He urged South Africans to move beyond tribal and national differences, stressing that the country’s future is closely linked to the prosperity and development of the African continent.
Jonas concluded by calling on citizens to judge people by their integrity and values rather than where they come from, saying South Africa’s progress depends on unity, good governance and stronger ties with the rest of Africa.
