Xenophobia in South Africa: They don’t see themselves as Africans – Nana Yaa Jantuah

Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah, speaking on New Day on TV3 monitored by MyNewsGh, has said the renewed xenophobic incidents in South Africa reflect a deeper societal issue rather than a failure of government policy.

Her comments follow a viral video involving South African activist Victoria Africa, known as Queen Vee, who was seen confronting a Ghanaian man over his stay in the country and demanding documentation.

“This is a very systemic problem that is endemic in South African society,” Jantuah said.

She argued that the hostility toward other Africans is rooted in attitudes within communities, not directives from the state.

“You cannot hold the government accountable because what is happening is not orchestrated by the government, it is orchestrated by the citizens,” she explained.

Jantuah recounted a personal experience during a visit to South Africa to illustrate her point.

“When I got to Midrand, someone said, ‘the black Africans are here,’” she said. “Within themselves, they don’t even see themselves as black Africans.”

She added that references to international agreements or historical ties have little impact on present-day attitudes.

“When we talk about protocols, it does not affect them,” she said.

Source: MyNewsGh.com