“The bottom line is laziness” – Ghanaian mechanics working in South Africa tackle xenophobic claims

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Makay
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Ghanaian mechanics working in South Africa

Ghanaian mechanics working in Johannesburg have pushed back against xenophobic claims that foreigners are taking jobs,

The Ghanaian mechanics argued that many opportunities exist for those willing to learn skills and put in the work, but they are lazy, as they simply do not want to work.

They insist they are ready to train others, but say unwillingness to work remains the bigger challenge.

In the viral video, one of the Ghanaian mechanics working in Johannesburg stated, “The bottom line is laziness. People simply do not want to work”.

The video has since ignited debate on social media. with netizens saying, “That’s what we don’t want being called names in our country, Ghana government is expecting us to tolerate this shit”.

One X user added, “All these South Africans in the comments section are the dumbest and useless human beings on earth. I’m sure they don’t have any family member who has travelled to another country”.

“I see their videos, and I feel like, why can’t we just go and do the same to their people here, too. But that’s not the answer. But you won’t be that mad at something until it’s done to you or your close relative”, a netizen added.

One X user added, “Guess what, those shops and stores that they closed down, it’s still very much empty, the so-called job positions are still empty, they can’t do shit, they just want shit handed to them. And with the way things are going, it’s obvious the South African government supports the movement”.

Another netizen stated, “I hate it when people refer/ call the South Africans lazy. You people aren’t lazy, yet there are no jobs in your countries. If indeed they’re lazy, why have they created an enabling environment where all of you guys are travelling from all parts of Africa to South Africa?”.

Meanwhile, the South African Police have issued a statement condemning Xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaian nationals and other Foreign Nationals.

 According to the South African Police, acts of xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The SA Police announced that persons found inciting or supporting such criminal conduct will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts.

In a statement shared on Facebook on April 24, 2026, the South African Police Service wrote, “[ATTACKS AGAINST GHANAIAN NATIONALS AND OTHER FOREIGN NATIONALS]

The Ministry of Police strongly condemns the recent xenophobic acts of violence and intimidation directed at Ghanaian nationals and other foreign nationals within the Republic of South Africa.

These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded. South Africa is a constitutional state governed by the rule of law. No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands, irrespective of grievances or frustrations.

The Ministry of Police wishes to advise the members of the public that acts of xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been instructed to act decisively and without hesitation in addressing these incidents. All those found to be participating in, inciting, or supporting such criminal conduct will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts.

The Ministry of Police calls on all communities to remain calm and to reject any attempts to sow division and hatred among residents of our country. The Ministry further urges community leaders, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to work together with law enforcement agencies to prevent further violence and to promote dialogue and understanding”.

Watch the video below: