Julius Malem spoke on Thursday at an event marking the 14th anniversary of the Collen Mashawana Foundation, where he addressed the growing tension linked to xenophobic violence.
In recent days, videos showing attacks on African migrants, including people from Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, have circulated widely online, sparking concern.
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg also confirmed that two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed during the unrest.
Malema, who leads the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), questioned those behind the attacks, asking them to show what jobs they have created themselves after targeting foreign-owned businesses.
He argued that blaming immigrants for unemployment is misguided, especially when many of those making such claims lack the skills needed in the job market.
According to him, shutting down businesses that employ people only makes the situation worse, as it destroys existing opportunities instead of creating new ones.
Julius Malem also made it clear that he does not support or seek backing from individuals who promote hatred against other Africans.
He insisted he would not trade his principles for political support, stressing that he would never campaign on a message built on hostility toward foreigners.
“I want to speak about the xenophobic and afrophobia that we are practicing here in South Africa today,” he said.
“I want to challenge you who say ‘Zimbabweans take your jobs, Nigerians take your jobs’ and you march, close shops, and beat up people. Tell us after doing that, how many jobs have you created?
“You beat people because they took jobs. You closed a show that hired five people and you say they take our jobs. After closing that shop, how many jobs have you created?
“Unskilled men, with no skill whatsoever, say somebody took their jobs. The skill they know is to drink and I want to pretend like revolutionaries.
“I don’t want your votes. If you behave like that, take them away. I don’t want a vote that says to me, I must hate Africans for you to vote for me. I will never do that.”
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