Nigeria Labor Congress Urges South African Unions to Combat Xenophobia
The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has called on the South African Congress of Trade Unions (COSATU) to spearhead a comprehensive education and awareness initiative aimed at combating xenophobia and safeguarding the rights of migrant workers throughout South Africa.
Rights of Migrant Workers Under Threat
In a letter dated May 7, 2026, NLC President Joe Ajaelo emphasized that South Africa cannot genuinely advocate for the working class while ignoring acts of violence against African immigrants. Ajaelo stated that the supposed fight for workers’ rights is hollow if certain groups within the labor force are allowed to be victimized.
Addressing the Roots of Xenophobia
Ajaelo urged COSATU to mobilize its members, stressing the importance of fostering understanding within unions and communities. “We must teach that migrant workers are not the cause of poverty; they are victims of the same oppressive system,” he said, calling for an end to the harmful narratives that paint fellow Africans as adversaries.
Condemnation of Recent Violence
The NLC expressed profound concern over the recent increase in violence against African immigrants and the destruction of their businesses in South Africa. Such attacks, according to the Congress, are symptoms of deeper economic issues and ineffective government policies that have failed the populace.
Solidarity Among African Labor Movements
Ajaelo highlighted the historical solidarity among African labor movements, tracing it back to the anti-apartheid struggle in which Nigerian workers participated. He likened the ongoing situation to a broader fight against exploitation, conveying a strong message of unity against racism and economic oppression.
The Role of Government and Security Forces
The NLC has called on the South African government to take immediate action, citing security forces’ failure to protect migrants as complicity in the violence. Ajaelo insisted on the necessity for the state to allocate resources towards safeguarding migrant workers and to ensure that perpetrators face swift justice.
Xenophobia’s Broader Implications for Worker Unity
The NLC warned that xenophobia jeopardizes solidarity among the working class across Africa and undermines their collective bargaining power. Ajaelo argued that fostering division through xenophobic sentiments detracts from the fight against capitalism and hinders efforts to improve workers’ conditions continent-wide.
Calls for Pan-African Cooperation
In light of the escalating crisis, Parliament has proposed an emergency meeting of the African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation. This gathering aims to establish a unified approach to protecting migrant workers and addressing the social tensions stemming from xenophobia.
Impending Threat Across the Continent
Ajaelo warned that if xenophobia is not addressed promptly in South Africa, it could spread throughout the continent. He reinforced that true liberation for all African workers hinges on collective solidarity, transcending boundaries defined by nationalities. The urgency of this message resonates even more following recent calls by political figures in Nigeria to reconsider the operations of South African companies in Nigeria in response to ongoing violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
