South Africans factory workers have been protesting against the xenophobic crackdown targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians and other African nationals.
According to the South African factory workers, they need foreigners back; without foreigners, they are nothing.
They argued that several sectors of the economy rely heavily on the contributions of foreign workers and entrepreneurs.
The demonstrators warned that the foreigners’ absence is already disrupting economic activity and affecting livelihoods.
They disclosed that many foreign nationals who have left the country are employers, investors, and skilled workers whose businesses provide jobs and contribute to local economic development.
During the protest, the workers took to the streets to express their opposition to the anti-immigrant campaign, calling on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to take steps to encourage foreign nationals to return.
A demonstrator also argued that South Africans have benefited greatly from the presence of foreign nationals.
The demonstrator noted that many local workers acquired specialised skills through working alongside them.
Speaking to the media, she stated, “We say no to xenophobia. We need foreigners back. Without foreigners, we are nothing. All we know as South Africans is how to cut fabric, but the foreigners know how to make the garments. Without them, we are nothing.
“Mr Ramaphosa, you cannot chase foreigners away because they are part of us. If you send them away, we will be left with nothing. The factories are going to close, and we are going to become poorer. We have children, and what are our children going to eat? We need foreigners,” she said.
Meanwhile. Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African President, has pleaded with President John Dramani Mahama to help rally other African heads of state in support of South Africa over the ongoing xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals.
According to the SA president, the ongoing attacks on foreign nationals are an African problem, not only a South African one, and require African solutions.
Speaking to the press, the SA president expressed appreciation for Mahama’s willingness to champion South Africa’s cause among fellow African leaders.
He disclosed that the move has influenced South Africa’s decision to dispatch diplomatic envoys across the continent.
Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African President, stated, “This time around, we are saying we want to work together; work with us. And I’m rather pleased that President Mahama of Ghana has been saying he would like to make a call on other African countries to work with South Africa, and that is precisely what has triggered our intention to send envoys, so that they go and explain the initiative that we have taken.
“In the end, this is an African problem; it is not only a South African problem, but we are all involved in this. Various countries on the continent experience precisely what we are going through”.
He further recognised the severe social pressures, including unemployment, insecurity, and poor service delivery, that have powered anti-immigrant tensions but contended that the solution must be collective, as it is an African problem.
This is an African problem that requires African solutions,” he stated.
Meanwhile, President John Mahama has said Ghana’s diplomatic relations with South Africa remain strong despite the recent xenophobic attacks leading to Ghanaians being evacuated.
According to John Mahama, there has been no breach in our relations with South Africa.
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