Former EFF MP and AbaThembu royal figure, Nolubabalo Mcinga, has urged South Africans to focus on fixing broken government systems rather than directing anger at foreign nationals amid rising tensions around xenophobia, Afrophobia, and election politics.
Speaking in support of King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo’s statement that “what is wrong is wrong,” Mcinga said the country’s challenges must be addressed through proper laws, effective governance, and functioning systems.
She argued that election periods often intensify emotions and allow migration and crime issues to be used in divisive ways instead of addressing root causes. According to Mcinga, many foreign nationals want to comply with South African laws but are trapped in failing immigration and documentation systems.
“The problem is not people, the problem is systems that are not working,” she said.
Mcinga also linked current tensions to the lasting effects of colonialism, warning that divisions among Africans continue to benefit outside powers. She called on citizens to understand the broader historical and economic systems shaping society rather than turning against one another.
She criticised the misuse of social media, saying old or foreign videos are often falsely shared as South African incidents to gain online attention, damaging the country’s international image and spreading fear.
Addressing recent operations in Johannesburg, she said actions by city authorities to remove illegal structures should not automatically be interpreted as attacks on foreign nationals, noting that enforcement measures also affected South African-owned businesses.
On crime and drugs, Mcinga argued that authorities should focus more on organised networks, suppliers, and production systems instead of only targeting street-level activity.
She also highlighted the role foreign nationals play in South Africa’s informal economy, including small businesses and township trade, while warning that economic competition and business interests may be influencing some public protests.
Referring to former President Nelson Mandela’s vision of a “rainbow nation,” Mcinga said South Africa’s diversity is part of its identity and strength.
She concluded by calling for unity, lawful immigration processes, accountability for criminal activity regardless of nationality, and the protection of human rights. Mcinga warned that once society begins deciding who belongs based on emotion instead of law, exclusion becomes dangerous and difficult to control.
“People must stop fighting each other and focus on repairing broken systems so the country can move forward,” she said.
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