MTN Backs Calm as Migrant Crisis Rocks South Africa And Sparks Regional Backlash
Telecommunications giant MTN Group has thrown its weight behind calls for calm and lawful resolution as tensions over undocumented migrants escalate in South Africa ahead of a June 30 deadline for their departure.
The Johannesburg-headquartered company said it is closely monitoring developments and prioritising the safety of people and property amid growing unrest triggered by anti-immigration campaigns.
“Across our markets, MTN is monitoring developments related to ongoing migration challenges. As ever, the safety and security of people and property are paramount,” the company said in a response.
The situation has intensified since March, when an activist group issued an ultimatum for undocumented migrants to leave the country by the end of June, raising fears of violence and forced displacement.
The crisis has drawn concern from South Africa’s corporate sector, with Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) warning that hostility toward foreign nationals could damage the country’s economic interests.
In a joint statement, the groups called for a return to the rule of law and urged government to provide clear leadership on immigration and social cohesion.
They emphasised that South African companies operate across the continent while other African businesses invest in the country, making regional integration critical to shared economic growth.
The human cost of the tensions is increasingly visible. At Sherwood Park in Durban, an estimated 10,000 migrants—many of them Malawians—have taken refuge in makeshift camps after fleeing communities where they feared attacks.
Families have abandoned homes, jobs and businesses, with many now sleeping outdoors in harsh winter conditions while awaiting repatriation.
Several African governments have begun evacuating their citizens. Zimbabwe has already assisted hundreds of nationals to return home, while Malawi is transporting thousands across the border. Ghana and Nigeria have also initiated evacuation efforts.
The crisis is also triggering diplomatic and public backlash beyond South Africa’s borders.
In Ghana, protesters linked to the “South Africa Must Go” movement recently marched to the headquarters of MTN Ghana in Accra, accusing South Africa of failing to protect African migrants.
The demonstrations reflect growing anger in countries where South African companies, including MTN, generate significant revenue, placing the telecom giant in a delicate position.
Amid the tensions, MTN Group has aligned itself with calls for restraint, dialogue and adherence to the rule of law.
“As a proudly African organisation that employs 15,000 people, representing 74 nationalities and ethnicities, MTN believes that meaningful dialogue is critical in shaping a more inclusive, connected and prosperous continent,” the company said.
MTN also pledged support for dialogue initiatives led by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, aimed at addressing migration challenges through inclusive engagement.
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has framed the crisis as a broader risk to Africa’s integration ambitions.
“The future of Africa depends on greater social solidarity, increasing economic integration and the observance of the rule of law,” he said, stressing the need for constructive engagement.
As the June 30 deadline approaches, the unfolding situation presents a critical test—not only for South Africa’s governance and social cohesion but also for pan-African businesses navigating rising political tensions and public scrutiny across the continent.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
