Evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa unnecessary – Julius Malema

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has criticised Ghana’s decision to evacuate its citizens from South Africa following reported xenophobic incidents, arguing that the move was unnecessary and undermines diplomatic efforts between the two countries.

Speaking in an interview with SABC News on Thursday, May 28, Malema said Ghana’s response risked escalating tensions and created a misleading impression that xenophobic attacks reflect the wider South African society, rather than isolated actions by a small group of individuals.

Malema argued that while the concerns of affected foreign nationals were understandable, Ghana should have allowed more time for closer diplomatic engagement and for South African authorities to fully address the reported incidents.

“The Ghana response was not necessary because it now creates an impression that we’re all like that, when it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement. 

The President of Ghana should have given us some time to really deal with this matter, and we’ll get to the bottom of it. We need to pursue the diplomatic engagements with Ghana until we find one another.

“We don’t think Ghana responded in a manner that really reinforces dialogue and diplomatic engagements. It actually creates a very bad, extreme situation, which is not. It’s a select few, and we are pursuing and persuading the government to still act on those few,” he said.

He added that Ghanaian nationals who still feel unsafe, particularly those with valid documentation, should seek protection from South African police services, noting that support structures were available to assist them. 

“Those who don’t feel safe, especially the legally documented Ghanaians, should be able to run to police stations for safety, and they will be directed to the rightful places where they will be secured,” he added.

Malema called for continued cooperation between Ghana and South Africa, stressing that sustained diplomatic engagement remains essential to prevent further escalation over the reported xenophobic incidents.

His comments come after about 300 Ghanaian nationals arrived in Accra following evacuation arrangements by the Ghanaian authorities.

According to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 800 Ghanaians had voluntarily registered for evacuation after reports of renewed violence and safety concerns in some communities.