society

From Freedom Fighter to Xenophobic Tyrant: How South Africa Betrays Africa”

Published

1 year ago

April 15, 2025

Sahara Weekly

“From Freedom Fighter to Xenophobic Tyrant: How South Africa Betrays Africa”

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In an age where Africa must rally around unity, economic collaboration, and cross-border development, it is both tragic and outrageous that a political leader in South Africa has emerged to champion a campaign that echoes the darkest ideologies of the past. Gayton McKenzie, the Mayor of Central Karoo and leader of the Patriotic Alliance, has become the face of xenophobic populism in South Africa. His “Abahambe” doctrine; which means “Let them leave” in Zulu meaning is not just a rallying cry; it is a ticking time bomb threatening the very fabric of African brotherhood.

By targeting African migrants, particularly Nigerians and Zimbabweans, McKenzie is doing more than playing politics. He is weaponizing fear, scapegoating economic migrants who, contrary to his claims, often create their own jobs, employ others, and contribute to the local economy. This is not a movement of patriotism. It is a movement of prejudice, one that resembles, in language and tone, the early stages of fascist regimes.

Dangerous Rhetoric, Dangerous Consequences
History offers sobering lessons. Leaders who have failed to deliver prosperity often manufacture enemies. Adolf Hitler, in the 1930s, blamed Germany’s woes on Jews and used propaganda to dehumanize them. We all know where that road led.

McKenzie’s playbook is eerily similar. Rather than confront South Africa’s systemic failures and rampant corruption, deteriorating infrastructure, and chronic unemployment, he blames African migrants. This redirection of public anger is a cynical political strategy. It is easier to inflame crowds than to fix roads, hospitals, or schools. But such strategies come with deadly consequences.

This is no longer just a political platform. It is incitement. His speeches have inspired violence: shops looted, homes burnt, and lives lost. These are not isolated incidents they are the direct results of a narrative that paints migrants as enemies, not neighbors.

African Migrants: Job Creators, Not Job Thieves
Contrary to McKenzie’s inflammatory claims, the overwhelming majority of African migrants in South Africa are self-employed. They run salons, corner shops, logistics companies, restaurants, and even tech startups. They work tirelessly, not because South Africa gave them jobs, but because they were forced by circumstances to create their own. They compete not for state resources, but for survival.

Studies by the Human Sciences Research Council and other institutions have repeatedly shown that immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs than locals; a fact also observed across Europe and the United States. In inner cities across Johannesburg and Cape Town, it is often foreign-owned businesses that provide services and employment in neglected areas.

So when McKenzie screams “Abahambe,” he is not just targeting undocumented migrants. He is threatening people who pay rent, taxes, school fees — and employ South Africans too.

Nigeria’s Historic Role: A Debt South Africa Must Honor
That Nigerians are a central target of this campaign is not only unjust; it is profoundly insulting. Nigeria was one of the fiercest opponents of apartheid. From 1960 to 1994, the country invested billions in today’s value, over $60 billion in supporting South Africa’s liberation. The Nigerian government funded the African National Congress (ANC), hosted its exiles, trained its soldiers, and spearheaded global sanctions against the apartheid regime.

Nigerians paid a “Mandela Tax” to fund the anti-apartheid movement. They were barred from international events, ostracized diplomatically, and made enormous economic sacrifices, all in the name of African freedom.

As Desmond Tutu once said, “We are because you are. Our liberation was your victory too.”

To now see Nigerians vilified in South Africa is to watch the knife twist in a wound still healing from the scars of colonialism and racial segregation.

South African Businesses Thrive in Nigeria
While McKenzie accuses foreigners of exploitation, the economic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa tells a different story. South African companies have thrived in Nigeria without facing the kind of hatred that migrants now endure in South Africa.

MTN Nigeria—the crown jewel of the MTN Group contributes more than a third of the group’s global profit. Shoprite, DSTV (Multichoice), Stanbic IBTC, and others have enjoyed a warm reception in Nigeria. They’ve grown into household names, making millions in a competitive but welcoming market.

Would McKenzie prefer these companies to be driven out of Nigeria in retaliation? Can he account for the jobs that would be lost both in Nigeria and South Africa if this economic partnership collapses?

In diplomacy, as in economics, respect must be mutual.

A Threat to Pan-African Progress
McKenzie’s divisive politics do not only endanger MIGRANTS, they threaten the very soul of Africa. At a time when the African Union is pushing for deeper integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), when regional blocks are forming to combat poverty, disease, and terrorism, McKenzie’s ideology is a setback. It is a rejection of unity in favor of isolation. It is a throwback to the colonial mindset of “divide and rule.”

The real enemies of South Africa are not the foreign-born Africans struggling to make ends meet. The enemies are inequality, corruption, misgovernance, and disinvestment. No Nigerian or Zimbabwean created Eskom’s energy crisis. No Ethiopian migrant siphoned billions through state capture. The problems are internal. The solutions, too, must be.

Voices of Reason Must Rise
As former Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah famously said, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” Those words ring true now more than ever. Africa needs leaders who speak of unity, who understand the value of cooperation not populists who exploit pain for power.

South African civil society, journalists, trade unions, and faith-based organizations must rise and reject McKenzie’s brand of hatred. Silence is complicity, and complicity is guilt. Xenophobia, if unchecked, will destroy not only the lives of migrants but also the moral standing of South Africa as a leader on the continent.

International organizations, too, must speak up. The African Union must investigate whether the “Abahambe” campaign amounts to incitement under international law. The United Nations should monitor the human rights situation in affected communities. Hate speech is not free speech especially when it costs lives.

A Future Worth Building Together
Africa’s youth; its greatest resource must understand that collaboration, not confrontation, is the key to prosperity. With a shared market of 1.3 billion people and untapped resources, the future is bright only if we work together. We must reject demagogues who preach division and embrace leaders who champion innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate. If they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.”

Let us teach that love now through policy, protest, and unity.

In conclusion: Africa’s Moral Test
Gayton McKenzie is not just a politician. He is a test; for South Africa’s democracy, for Africa’s unity, and for the conscience of every black person on the continent. If we allow his hate-filled rhetoric to spread unchecked, we risk not just more violence, but the unraveling of everything Africa has worked to build since independence.

But if we meet his hatred with courage, unity, and law, then we will have turned this dangerous chapter into a moment of reckoning. Let McKenzie’s campaign be remembered not as the movement that broke Africa, but as the spark that finally woke it up.

Africa must choose: hatred or hope, division or dignity.

Let us choose wisely.

society

Security, Economy in Focus as Buratai Chairs Aminu Kano Memorial Event

Published

57 minutes ago

April 15, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Why Gen. Buratai will always remain in the minds of Nigerians-Enyioma

Security, Economy in Focus as Buratai Chairs Aminu Kano Memorial Event

KANO, NIGERIA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), will chair the 24th Annual Symposium commemorating the 43rd memorial anniversary of Aminu Kano, with a strong focus on regional security and economic cooperation in West Africa.

The high-level event, scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Sa’adu Zungur Auditorium, Mambayya House in Kano, is expected to convene policymakers, academics, and security experts to examine the evolving role of Economic Community of West African States in maintaining peace and stability across the subregion.

With the theme “ECOWAS and Regional Peace in West Africa: The Security and Economic Implications for Nigeria,” the symposium comes at a critical time when West Africa continues to grapple with security threats, political transitions, and economic pressures.

Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, is expected to bring his extensive military and diplomatic experience to bear in steering discussions around collective security, cross-border threats, and the strategic importance of regional alliances. His leadership as Chairman of the Occasion underscores the significance attached to the symposium’s deliberations.

The event will be hosted by the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Haruna Musa, while the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, will serve as Chief Host.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, is billed as the Special Guest of Honour, adding further political weight to the gathering.

The symposium will also feature a keynote address by Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, a former Commissioner for Internal Services at the ECOWAS Commission, who is expected to provide insights into the bloc’s internal mechanisms and policy direction.

Other notable discussants include former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede, and Professor Samaila Suleiman of the Department of History, Bayero University, Kano.

Organised by Mambayya House, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, the annual symposium remains a key intellectual platform dedicated to preserving the legacy of Aminu Kano while addressing contemporary governance and security challenges.

Analysts note that Buratai’s central role as Chairman is particularly significant given Nigeria’s frontline position in regional security dynamics. His presence is expected to shape robust conversations on how ECOWAS can better respond to insurgency, military coups, and transnational crime while strengthening economic integration among member states.

The symposium is slated to commence at 9:00 a.m., drawing participants from across government, academia, and civil society in what promises to be a timely and impactful engagement on West Africa’s future.

society

BOI, GIZ seals strategic partnership to drive enterprise growth, boost climate resilience*

Published

1 hour ago

April 15, 2026

Sahara Weekly

BOI, GIZ seals strategic partnership to drive enterprise growth, boost climate resilience

Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria’s foremost Development finance institution and a globally recognised organisation specialising in international development cooperation with countries, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), on Wednesday April 15, 2026, signs a Partnership Framework Agreement to drive sustainable innovation and economic development for large enterprise, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Nigeria.

The partnership is hinged on delivering coordinated interventions across key strategic pillars including access to finance, entrepreneurship development, capacity building, and market access; and integrates focused support for climate finance and renewable energy investments; and a robust alignment with global sustainability priorities that enables MSMEs to as engines of economic development.

With this landmark agreement, BOI and GIZ are positioned to mutually ensure that capacity building efforts for businesses focuses on strengthening the technical and institutional capabilities of BOI’s Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs), equipping them to deliver higher-impact advisory services to the Bank’s customers; as well as enshrine a structured vocational training provided under the ICSS (Inspire, Create, Start and Scale) entrepreneurship programme to enhance productivity, workforce quality and overall business competitiveness to MSMEs.

The central pillar of this year’s partnership framework is it women’s economic empowerment through targeted financing initiatives; agribusiness development and rural enterprise growth; and climate-focused investment imperative to scale its renewable energy and energy efficiency financing portfolio.

BOI will strategically deepen its efforts to secure endorsement with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with support from GIZ, a German-led development agency.

Speaking at the announcement ceremony, MD/CEO, Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said “This partnership is about closing the gap between enterprise potential and enterprise reality. Too many Nigerian businesses, particularly MSMEs, have the ideas, the drive, and the market opportunity, but lack the financing, technical capacity, or market access needed to scale. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to constantly form new partnerships to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria. By combining our financing expertise with our partner’s international development experience, we are building a comprehensive framework that will directly translate into jobs, innovation, affordable, long-term financing and sustainable growth for MSMEs in Nigeria.”

In his remarks, Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Magnus Wagner, said, “This partnership demonstrates our joint commitments to strengthening Nigeria’s private sector and to advancing sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Through this partnership, we aim to support small and medium enterprises. We are trying more to look at SME, formalized business, which is the resilient backbone of Nigeria’s economy. So, we would like to work, we have decided in areas such as climate and sustainable finance, renewable energy and energy efficiency, entrepreneurship and innovation, women’s economic empowerment, agribusiness and rural transformation, and digital trade and market access. We look forward to a close and successful collaboration with the Bank of Industry, one that delivers tangible results for business, communities, and the country and the population as a whole”.

society

ADC Convention: We Are Unstoppable; “We Dare To Stand Up,” – Rauf Aregbesola

Published

4 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADC Convention: We Are Unstoppable; “We Dare To Stand Up,” – Rauf Aregbesola

By Shaba Gbenga

In Abuja, under the charged atmosphere of a convention that felt more like a declaration of intent than routine political gathering, Rauf Aregbesola stood before party faithful and delivered a message anchored on inevitability and resistance, insisting that just as no force can halt the rising of the sun, the African Democratic Congress cannot be stopped. Speaking at the party’s 8th National Convention, he cast the ADC not merely as an opposition platform but as a movement forged in defiance, determined to confront what he described as a system defined by incompetence and drift.

He painted a stark portrait of the nation’s economy, reducing official narratives to what he implied were illusions detached from the lived reality of Nigerians. According to him, the figures speak more honestly than any government statement ever could. A currency that has fallen from about seven hundred naira to the dollar to roughly one thousand four hundred, he argued, represents not just depreciation but a complete erosion of economic stability in a country heavily dependent on imports. The ripple effects, he noted, are visible everywhere, from the soaring cost of fuel to the daily struggle of workers who now find the simple act of going to work financially burdensome. In his telling, an economy once strained is now suffocating, and the promise of renewed hope has become a refrain repeated without substance, an echo stretched across years without delivery.

Yet beyond the numbers, he directed his sharpest criticism at what he described as a troubling absence of empathy at the highest levels of leadership. He recalled moments of national grief where, in his view, presence was replaced with distance and compassion substituted with protocol. Communities struck by violence, he suggested, were left to grapple not only with loss but with the symbolism of a leadership that appeared removed from their pain. For him, these were not isolated incidents but defining examples of a deeper disconnect between the governed and those in power, a gap he warned could no longer be ignored.

He then turned to the controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the convention itself, methodically defending the processes that led to the current leadership structure within the party. He traced decisions, meetings, and resolutions, insisting that due process had been followed and acknowledged at every stage. His frustration was reserved for the electoral body, which he accused of abandoning neutrality and failing in its responsibility by refusing to monitor the convention despite formal notification. In his view, such actions were not mere administrative lapses but deliberate steps in a broader design to narrow Nigeria’s political space ahead of the next general election.

From there, his argument widened into a critique of what he described as a dangerous normalization of political manipulation. He questioned a system where, in his words, wrongdoing is increasingly shielded by law and strategy, warning that when illegality becomes a tool rather than an offence, democracy itself begins to lose meaning. Drawing from the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he framed opposition not as an inconvenience to power but as its necessary conscience, a force meant to challenge excess and preserve balance. Without it, he cautioned, the country risks sliding quietly into a future where elections become formalities and leadership transitions resemble coronations rather than choices.

Still, his message was not without forward motion. He spoke of a party reorganizing itself from the ground up, refining its policies, strengthening its internal structures, and preparing for the contests ahead. Losses in recent elections, he admitted, had exposed weaknesses, but they had also provided lessons the party intends to build on. What emerged from his address was not a claim of perfection but a declaration of readiness, a belief that momentum is shifting and that the groundwork for a different political outcome is being laid.

As he closed, the rhythm of his speech returned to its central theme, one of courage and inevitability. The struggle, he implied, is not merely about power but about principle, not just about winning elections but about restoring direction. In that conviction, he urged those still watching from the sidelines to make a choice, warning that moments demanding clarity leave little room for neutrality. For him and for the movement he represents, standing up is no longer optional, and in that act of defiance, he placed his faith in victory, not just for a party, but for a nation he believes can still be reclaimed.