Johannesburg, South Africa — South African opposition leader Julius Malema has stirred conversations across Africa after making strong remarks about Nigeria’s economic development, banking sector, and globally successful entertainment industry amid ongoing discussions surrounding xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking during a public engagement, Malema praised Nigeria’s economic achievements, noting that the country’s banking industry is largely owned by Black Nigerians. He also argued that Nigeria’s entertainment industry has grown beyond regional competition and is now focused on competing on the global stage.
“Banks in Nigeria are owned by Black Nigerians. Nigerians in the entertainment industry aren’t competing with South Africa, they are competing with America. People are working to develop themselves over there, while here in South Africa, our people are walking around with cutlasses,” Malema said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians and other African migrants, have at times been targeted during outbreaks of violence.
Malema’s comments appeared to criticize South Africa’s internal challenges, suggesting that greater attention should be given to education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic growth rather than hostility toward immigrants.
Nigeria has established itself as one of Africa’s largest economies, with indigenous financial institutions playing a significant role in the banking sector. Meanwhile, Nollywood and the country’s Afrobeats industry have continued to gain international recognition through global partnerships, streaming platforms, and worldwide performances.
