By Erewunmi Peace

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has condemned xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing them as a “betrayal of African unity” and urging a renewed strategic alliance between Nigeria and South Africa to drive industrialization and economic freedom across the continent.

Malema made this statement on Sunday during his keynote address at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu, where he challenged African nations to reject division and embrace economic collaboration.

“A Nigerian in Johannesburg is not a foreigner but an African contributing to Africa’s progress,” Malema said, adding that xenophobia stems from “poverty, inequality, and government failure.”

Call for Economic Cooperation

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader emphasized that Africa’s future lies in unity, with Nigeria and South Africa leading the charge. He proposed a partnership that combines South Africa’s industrial base and mining expertise with Nigeria’s oil resources and entrepreneurial capacity, to create joint ventures in energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

Malema envisioned a continental industrial strategy, including energy conglomerates powered by Nigeria’s gas and South Africa’s solar potential, to establish an integrated African power grid.

Historical Ties

Recalling Nigeria’s role in the anti-apartheid struggle, Malema urged both nations to honor that legacy through economic solidarity.

“Nigeria supported South Africa during apartheid—through sanctions, the Mandela tax, and global campaigns. Today, we must continue that brotherhood in economic terms,” he stated.

African Unity Against External Domination

Malema further warned against external economic domination, insisting that Africa’s industrial revolution must be African-owned and African-driven, rather than controlled by foreign powers.