Media personality Sheilah Gashumba has weighed in on ongoing tensions in South Africa involving foreign nationals, as reports continue to surface of migrants from other African countries being targeted in parts of the country.
The situation has largely affected individuals from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, many of whom are reportedly engaged in informal employment including ride-hailing services, street vending, and small-scale trade.
In her remarks shared on social media, Gashumba expressed concern over the treatment of foreign nationals, questioning why public anger appears to be directed at migrant workers rather than broader structural challenges within South African society.
She suggested that attention should be placed on governance and accountability issues, arguing that economic frustration is being misdirected toward individuals in low-income and informal work.
“This is crazy considering the fact that South African leaders and government officials are the most corrupt leaders in Africa with extravagant lives!! So chasing away other nationalities who are just doing Uber and small jobs is funny! They should be holding their own South Africans in higher offices accountable instead!” she said.
Her comments add to a growing online conversation about migration and inequality in South Africa, where tensions between locals and foreign nationals have periodically resurfaced, often in economically strained communities.
In her statement, Gashumba framed the issue within a wider African context, linking it to concerns about leadership performance, corruption, and the widening gap between political elites and ordinary citizens across the continent.
Reactions to her comments have been divided. Some social media users agreed with her emphasis on leadership accountability and the need for systemic reforms to address unemployment and inequality.
Others argued that the issue is complex, pointing to economic pressure, job scarcity, and competition in the informal sector as key drivers of resentment in affected communities.
South African authorities have in previous instances condemned attacks on foreign nationals and reaffirmed constitutional protections for migrants.
However, incidents of xenophobic violence and protests have continued to emerge intermittently over the years, particularly in urban areas facing economic strain.
Gashumba’s remarks have since contributed to a broader regional discussion on migration, governance, and socio-economic inequality, highlighting ongoing concerns about how African countries manage internal economic pressures and cross-border movement of people.