EXCLUSIVE(SAHARA REPORTERS): NUSA Accuses South African Politicians of Exploiting Xenophobia for Votes

The Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) has come forward with allegations that South African political figures are deliberately capitalizing on anti-Nigerian and broader anti-migrant sentiments to secure electoral gains. The union claims that foreign nationals are being conveniently blamed for the nation's economic woes and governance issues.

In an exclusive discussion with SaharaReporters, NUSA's spokesperson, Akindele Olunloyo, stated that African migrants, particularly Nigerians, frequently face targeting during election cycles. He explained that politicians often rally support by attributing problems like joblessness, crime, and poverty to foreigners. Olunloyo pointed out that inflammatory anti-immigrant language has become a consistent element of South African political discourse, particularly in the lead-up to significant elections.

He remarked, “The reality is that migrants, specifically African migrants in South Africa, are poor and voiceless. South African politicians have also come to realise that this group of people are very vulnerable and they are easy to be used as pawns in the political chess game in South Africa to score very cheap political points.”

**Politicians Exploit Migrants to Mask Governance Shortcomings**

Olunloyo observed that numerous political actors find it simpler to channel public discontent towards migrant communities rather than confronting the country’s deep-seated structural issues. He further asserted that campaigns against foreigners serve as an effective political tactic for leaders aiming to distract from critical problems such as corruption, ineffective governance, widening inequality, and economic downturns.

“There is a lot of political manipulation. These politicians have become political opportunists, using African migrants to score very cheap political points,” Olunloyo stated. He explained that migrants often become targets precisely because they wield no political influence and cannot significantly sway election results. Since foreign nationals residing in South Africa do not form a voting bloc capable of impacting electoral outcomes, they present an easy target for politicians seeking public favour.

**Operation Dudula and the Escalation of Anti-Foreigner Politics**

Olunloyo specifically highlighted groups like Operation Dudula, describing it as a leading anti-foreigner movement in South Africa. He noted that the organization has transitioned beyond mere activism, now operating as a political entity that openly campaigns against the presence of foreign nationals within the country. “Operation Dudula is registered in South Africa as a political party,” he affirmed. “It is a political party. It is a pressure group as well.”

He contended that the emergence of such organizations illustrates how anti-migrant sentiments have become increasingly intertwined with political aspirations. According to Olunloyo, several individuals who were once obscure in South African politics achieved national prominence after initiating campaigns targeting foreigners. He remarked, “You find out that the majority of these anti-foreign organisations were nobody. No one knew them until they started speaking against foreigners. That is when you win a seat in parliament.” He alleged that using anti-immigrant rhetoric has become a quick path to political relevance in certain circles, where politicians and activists employ inflammatory statements to garner media attention and public backing.

**Upcoming Elections May Intensify Hostility Towards Migrants**

Olunloyo issued a caution that the situation could deteriorate as South Africa nears its local government elections, slated for November 4, 2026. He highlighted that election periods have historically coincided with an escalation of anti-migrant rhetoric and increased animosity towards foreign nationals. “An election is coming again in South Africa,” he noted. “They have also intensified political rhetoric against African migrants. It is still going to be very serious, very tough for African migrants in this country, unfortunately, because this is an election year.”

He voiced apprehension that migrants might once again become targets of political campaigns designed to capitalize on public frustrations stemming from economic hardship. South Africa continues to struggle with elevated unemployment rates, escalating living costs, and widespread discontent regarding service provision in numerous communities. Olunloyo asserted that instead of directly tackling these fundamental challenges, some politicians opt to blame migrants for problems with much deeper origins.

**Migrants Unduly Singled Out for South Africa’s Difficulties**

The NUSA spokesperson firmly stated that immigrants are frequently and unfairly held accountable for issues arising from governance shortcomings. He referenced previous remarks by former South African president Thabo Mbeki, who argued that foreign nationals were not the cause of the country's economic woes. Olunloyo contended that corruption, inequality, and poor governance have contributed significantly more to South Africa's challenges than migration itself. He added that migrants are often depicted as rivals for jobs and public resources, despite evidence indicating that many of the nation's problems existed long before recent migration trends. “Foreigners have become the easiest people to blame whenever things go wrong,” he observed. “Instead of dealing with the real issues, politicians point fingers at migrants.”

**NUSA: Crime Narratives Incite Discrimination**

Olunloyo also disputed assertions that connect migrants to the majority of criminal activities occurring in South Africa. While conceding that some foreign nationals do engage in criminal acts, he emphasized that crime is not exclusive to migrants and should not be used to stigmatize entire communities. “The majority of the crimes committed in South Africa are by South Africans themselves,” he stated. “But then, a lot of politicians find it very convenient to blame foreigners.”

Olunloyo cautioned that such narratives foster hostility towards innocent migrants who are law-abiding residents, workers, and business owners. He warned that persistent political attacks on migrants risk promoting discrimination and exacerbating social divisions within South African society.

**Alarm Raised Over Increasing Xenophobia and Societal Disunity**

Olunloyo further asserted that anti-migrant rhetoric frequently cultivates an environment where xenophobic attitudes become normalized. He pointed out that this can have severe ramifications for the safety and overall well-being of foreign nationals residing in the country. He noted that many migrants already contend with challenges ranging from discrimination and harassment to difficulties in accessing opportunities and public services. Olunloyo warned that inflammatory political pronouncements could worsen these conditions and heighten tensions between local communities and migrant populations.

**Advocacy for Inclusive Policies and Genuine Solutions**

He appealed to South African leaders to abandon divisive rhetoric and instead concentrate on policies that address the fundamental causes of unemployment, poverty, and inequality. He urged politicians to foster unity rather than exploiting social tensions for electoral advantage. Olunloyo also called upon civil society organizations, community leaders, and government institutions to challenge narratives that unfairly attribute the nation's problems to migrants. He stressed that effective solutions demand candid discussions about governance, economic reform, and social development, rather than the continued scapegoating of vulnerable groups. He cautioned that if political leaders fail to alter their approach, anti-foreigner sentiments could continue to grow, endangering migrants and further polarizing South African society. “The problems facing South Africa will not be solved by blaming foreigners,” he declared. “They will only be solved when leaders focus on the real issues affecting the country.” Olunloyo maintained that migrants should not be exploited as political instruments in election campaigns. He implored South African politicians to prioritize policies that promote inclusion, accountability, and economic growth for all residents, irrespective of their nationality.