57 minutes | Friday, 10 July 2026
Why does xenophobic violence keep returning to South Africa? And who is really responsible?
In this compelling episode of Borderlines, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf speaks with Mametlwe Sebei, President of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA), about the root causes of xenophobia, the ANC government's record, and why migrants have become easy scapegoats for South Africa's economic crisis.
Sebei argues that unemployment, inequality, housing shortages and decades of policy failures have created fertile ground for anti-migrant sentiment. He also weighs in on the controversial 30 June mobilisation, the role of political parties, and what must change to prevent another cycle of violence.
In this episode:
Why xenophobia has persisted since the 2008 attacks
Has the ANC failed South Africa's working class?
Why migrants are being blamed for deeper economic problems
The controversy surrounding the 30 June anti-migrant campaign
What South Africa must do to break the cycle of violence
Borderlines is hosted by Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, bringing thoughtful conversations on African politics, international affairs and the issues shaping the continent.
What do you think is driving xenophobia in South Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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