JOHANNESBURG — South African activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has sparked debate after dismissing claims that foreign nationals should receive special consideration in South Africa because of their countries’ support for the struggle against apartheid.
Her comments come amid heightened tensions over immigration and reports of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including migrants from several African countries.
Some immigrants and commentators have argued that African nations provided political, financial and diplomatic support to South Africa’s liberation movement during the apartheid era, contributing to the country’s eventual transition to democracy under Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid leaders.
Responding to those claims, Ngobese-Zuma said historical assistance should not be used to justify expectations of preferential treatment in present-day South Africa.
“If you believe Mandela received money from your country to fight for our freedom, then go and collect your money from Mandela and his family,” she said in remarks that circulated widely on social media.
Her comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some South Africans supporting her position on immigration, while critics argue that they downplay the role played by other African nations in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle.
South Africa’s fight against apartheid received backing from governments, political movements and civil society groups across Africa and beyond, with several countries hosting exiled activists and supporting international campaigns against the apartheid regime.
The latest debate highlights continuing tensions over immigration, unemployment and national identity in Africa’s most industrialized economy.
