By Moji Danisa
The Chairman of MTN Group, Mcebisi Jonas, has issued one of the strongest warnings yet against rising xenophobia in South Africa, declaring that his country “is nothing without the rest of Africa” and cautioning that growing hostility towards foreign nationals could carry serious political and economic consequences.
Speaking at the funeral of Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant Thokozani Damasane, Jonas argued that immigrants have increasingly become convenient scapegoats for South Africa’s domestic failures. Rather than blaming foreign nationals, he pointed to weak border controls, an overstretched justice system, poor governance and economic stagnation as the true sources of many of the country’s frustrations.
His comments arrive at a particularly delicate moment. Anti-migrant rhetoric has become increasingly prominent in South African politics, with some political actors openly campaigning on immigration issues. Security agencies have reportedly intensified deportation efforts while tensions surrounding undocumented migrants continue to grow.
Yet beyond politics lies another issue that many South African businesses are beginning to recognise: xenophobia may carry a substantial commercial cost.
South African companies have spent decades expanding across Africa. Telecommunications giant MTN operates in numerous African countries, including Nigeria, its largest market. Retail chains, banks, insurance firms, supermarkets, media companies and technology businesses from South Africa have established major operations throughout the continent.
Nigeria alone represents billions of dollars in investments by South African companies. MTN Nigeria remains one of the most profitable operations within the group, serving millions of subscribers and contributing significantly to the parent company’s earnings.
Analysts warn that persistent anti-foreigner sentiment within South Africa could gradually erode goodwill toward South African brands elsewhere on the continent. Although consumers generally separate businesses from politics, prolonged hostility against African migrants may generate resentment that affects purchasing decisions, investment opportunities and brand loyalty.
There have already been occasional calls for boycotts of South African businesses in several African countries following previous waves of xenophobic violence. While such campaigns have often been short-lived, they demonstrate how quickly public sentiment can turn.
The cultural impact is also becoming visible. Some observers argue that anti-migrant rhetoric has contributed to declining enthusiasm for certain South African cultural exports, including music and entertainment, in parts of Africa where solidarity with migrants remains strong.
Jonas suggested that the roots of xenophobia extend beyond contemporary politics. He argued that colonial administrations deliberately encouraged ethnic and tribal divisions as a means of weakening African societies and preventing continental unity. According to him, these divisions continue to influence modern politics and social tensions.
His remarks also highlight a difficult reality facing South Africa’s corporate sector. Many of the country’s largest companies derive substantial revenues from markets outside South Africa. Their growth increasingly depends upon goodwill, political stability and positive relationships across the continent.
Should anti-foreigner sentiment continue to intensify, experts believe South African companies could face reputational challenges in key African markets, particularly in countries where their businesses maintain significant investments.
For Nigeria, which hosts some of South Africa’s largest investments, the debate carries particular significance. Nigerian consumers have previously expressed anger over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa, with some businesses becoming focal points during periods of heightened tension.
Jonas’ intervention therefore extends beyond a moral appeal for tolerance. It is also a warning that isolationist politics and xenophobia may ultimately damage South Africa’s economic interests, weaken its influence across Africa, and undermine the very businesses that have benefited most from continental integration.
His message was simple but profound: South Africa’s future is inseparable from the rest of Africa, and policies or rhetoric that alienate fellow Africans may carry consequences far beyond the country’s borders.
