Mahama calls for support to help South Africa tackle black enemployment
President John Dramani Mahama has called on African countries to support South Africa in addressing the underlying causes of unemployment among its black population, describing the issue as central to resolving recurring outbreaks of xenophobia.
Speaking during an engagement at Chatham House in London, Mahama said the continent must approach South Africa’s challenges with empathy and cooperation rather than criticism.
“All of us must empathize with South Africa and help South Africa to be able to drill down and find out what it can do to reduce the unemployment rates amongst the black populations,” he said.
According to Mahama, some of the social and economic tensions fueling xenophobic sentiments may stem from structural inequalities inherited from the apartheid era. He noted that identifying and addressing these deep-rooted issues would be critical to achieving lasting solutions.
The President argued that blaming foreign nationals for unemployment is unlikely to resolve South Africa’s economic challenges, urging policymakers to focus on reforms that expand opportunities and improve livelihoods for citizens.
Mahama questioned whether the removal of migrants and closure of foreign-owned businesses would have any meaningful impact on unemployment levels, insisting that the country must instead tackle the fundamental factors driving joblessness and economic exclusion.
He further emphasized the positive contributions migrants make to host countries through skills, knowledge, entrepreneurship and investment. Citing examples from both Ghana and the United Kingdom, Mahama said migration has historically played an important role in supporting economic growth and development.
The President called for greater African solidarity in addressing common challenges and encouraged countries across the continent to embrace the benefits of regional mobility while working together to create jobs and promote inclusive economic growth.
