The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, has linked recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa to broader patterns of internal violence within the country.
Speaking in an interview, he argued that the targeting of foreign nationals reflects an extension of violence already prevalent in certain sectors of South African society.
“It is just a reflection or what I call externalisation of violence that they themselves are already accustomed to among themselves and to themselves, and they are transferring this to foreigners.” - Dr Nii Moi Thompson
Culture of Violence Raises Concern
Dr Thompson pointed to ongoing violent incidents within key industries as evidence of a wider security challenge. He cited the transport sector, noting that South Africa stands out in terms of reported assassinations.
“So if you look at violence in South Africa, it is on a completely different level… only one country comes up—South Africa,” he stated, referencing killings linked to the taxi industry.
He also raised concerns about the construction sector, where criminal groups reportedly use intimidation and extortion tactics. “They have these gangs who go out and demand 30% of the value or you shut down and they kill people,” he added.
Spillover Effects on Foreign Nationals
According to Dr Thompson, these entrenched patterns of violence are now being redirected at foreigners, contributing to rising xenophobic attacks, including those targeting Ghanaians.
The developments have sparked concern in Ghana, with reports of attacks on Ghanaian-owned businesses and individuals in South Africa.
In response, the Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has called for stronger diplomatic engagement and security assurances from South African authorities.
They are urging immediate arrests of perpetrators and broader intervention from regional bodies such as the African Union and the ECOWAS to address what they describe as recurring xenophobic violence.
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