{"id":5676,"date":"2026-07-09T02:02:46","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T00:02:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/?p=5676"},"modified":"2026-07-09T02:02:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T00:02:51","slug":"sas-r376-billion-african-trade-surplus-threatened-by-rising-afrophobia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/09\/sas-r376-billion-african-trade-surplus-threatened-by-rising-afrophobia\/","title":{"rendered":"SA\u2019s R376 billion African trade surplus threatened by rising \u2018Afrophobia\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>By Dr Malusi Gigaba &amp; Dr Omano Edigheji<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>As South Africa grapples with unemployment, rising living costs and growing hostility towards migrants, a new analysis warns that the country\u2019s economic future is far more dependent on the rest of Africa than public debate often acknowledges.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Authored by former Home Affairs Minister Dr Malusi Gigaba and governance expert Dr Omano Edigheji, the <a href=\"https:\/\/drmalusigigaba.org\/gigaba-refugee-day-20jun2026.html\">report<\/a> argues that migration cannot be separated from Africa\u2019s wider economic integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than viewing refugees and migrants solely through the lens of crime, security and employment, it contends that South Africa\u2019s prosperity is deeply tied to the continent through trade, energy, investment and infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gigaba and Edigheji acknowledge the genuine economic hardship facing millions of South Africans but caution against blaming migrants for problems rooted in weak growth, deindustrialisation, failing infrastructure and poor governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They argue that organised crime operates through transnational syndicates rather than nationality and that law enforcement should target criminal networks instead of profiling individuals based on their country of origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>South Africa\u2019s economic dependence on Africa <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Figures cited from the Trade Law Centre show that South Africa exported approximately R572 billion worth of goods to African countries in 2024 while importing around R196 billion, generating a trade surplus of nearly R376 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Almost a quarter of South Africa\u2019s exports are destined for African markets. Unlike exports to many global destinations, most goods sold elsewhere on the continent are manufactured products rather than raw minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-819x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6200\" style=\"width:338px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-1229x1536.png 1229w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-1638x2048.png 1638w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-336x420.png 336w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-150x188.png 150w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-300x375.png 300w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-696x870.png 696w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-1068x1335.png 1068w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-1920x2400.png 1920w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-1320x1650.png 1320w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info-600x750.png 600w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SA-info.png 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around 64.3% of South Africa\u2019s exports to Africa consist of manufactured goods, including vehicles, machinery, chemicals, processed foods, iron and steel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automotive exports alone reached R42.8 billion in 2023, making Africa the second-largest destination for South African vehicle exports after the European Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This trade helps sustain domestic manufacturing and jobs, while weakening regional relations could undermine one of South Africa\u2019s most important economic advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa\u2019s relationship with the rest of the continent is also one of dependence rather than one-way benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Much of the country\u2019s imported crude oil comes from African producers, while natural gas from Mozambique supplies most of South Africa\u2019s industrial gas demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Electricity generated by Mozambique\u2019s Cahora Bassa hydroelectric scheme also plays an important role in powering the South African economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Future industrial growth will depend heavily on continued access to African markets, particularly as the African Continental Free Trade Area expands opportunities for intra-African commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The agreement is expected to increase trade between African countries and boost demand for manufactured goods, an area in which South Africa remains one of the continent\u2019s strongest producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South African telecommunications, banking, retail and energy companies have also built major operations across Africa, making regional stability and goodwill increasingly important to their continued growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Cyril Ramaphosa is quoted as saying: \u201cSouth Africa\u2019s future is inseparable from the future of our African continent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rising \u2018Afrophobia\u2019 threatens regional interests<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Against this backdrop, Gigaba and Edigheji warn that growing hostility towards African migrants could have consequences far beyond domestic politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Public anger directed broadly at foreign nationals, they argue, risks damaging South Africa\u2019s diplomatic and economic relations across the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They point to the backlash following xenophobic violence in 2019, when protests targeted South African businesses in several African countries and diplomatic relations temporarily deteriorated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similar tensions could threaten trade, investment and South African companies operating elsewhere in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Former Statistician-General Pali Lehohla is quoted as warning: \u201cStandard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, MTN \u2014 they\u2019re all over Africa. Vodacom, Shoprite\u2026 it is very easy to retaliate and they\u2019ll be in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He added that resentment elsewhere on the continent could grow if South Africans are perceived as mistreating fellow Africans while South African businesses continue to profit from regional markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-630x420.jpeg 630w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-696x464.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-1068x712.jpeg 1068w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-1320x880.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacinta.jpeg 1599w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">March and March demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa (Top) [Image\/ @MzansiFarmer] &#8211; Operation Dudula activating in KZN (Bottom) [Image\/ @zibuseman]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa\u2019s cultural influence, tourism industry and international reputation could also suffer if perceptions of hostility towards Africans continue to deepen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South African music, sport and creative industries increasingly depend on audiences across the continent and the wider African diaspora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">International research cited in the <a href=\"https:\/\/drmalusigigaba.org\/gigaba-refugee-day-20jun2026.html\">analysis<\/a> also suggests that migrants make a positive contribution to South Africa\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A World Bank study found that immigrant workers generated employment opportunities rather than reducing local employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the International Labour Organization also estimated that foreign-born workers contribute significantly to South Africa\u2019s economic output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/drmalusigigaba.org\/gigaba-refugee-day-20jun2026.html\">paper<\/a> challenges widely circulated claims about the scale of undocumented migration, arguing that some figures repeated in public debate are inconsistent with census data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, it acknowledges that competition within parts of the informal economy is real and that some South Africans have faced increased pressure in sectors where migrant-owned businesses operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, these localised challenges should not obscure the structural failures that have constrained job creation for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa has both the right and responsibility to manage migration lawfully while protecting the dignity of everyone living within its borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than treating migrants as the source of the country\u2019s economic difficulties, policymakers should focus on rebuilding state capacity, strengthening regional cooperation and expanding shared prosperity across the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa\u2019s long-term prosperity, Gigaba and Edigheji conclude, will depend not on isolation, but on deeper cooperation with its African neighbours.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Dr Malusi Gigaba &amp; Dr Omano Edigheji As South Africa grapples with unemployment, rising living costs and growing hostility towards migrants, a new analysis warns that the country\u2019s economic future is far more dependent on the rest of Africa than public debate often acknowledges. Authored by former Home Affairs Minister Dr Malusi Gigaba and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":5468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[205,13],"tags":[519,132,989,991,992,199,405,455,988,533,990],"class_list":["post-5676","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-secondary-story","category-south-africa","tag-1-nation-media","tag-africa","tag-afrophobia","tag-dr-malusi-gigaba","tag-dr-omano-edigheji","tag-immigration","tag-one-nation-media","tag-onm","tag-trade-surplus","tag-unemployment","tag-world-refugee-day"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>SA\u2019s R376 billion African trade surplus threatened by rising \u2018Afrophobia\u2019 - 1 Nation Media<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/09\/sas-r376-billion-african-trade-surplus-threatened-by-rising-afrophobia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"SA\u2019s R376 billion African trade surplus threatened by rising \u2018Afrophobia\u2019 - 1 Nation Media\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Dr Malusi Gigaba &amp; Dr Omano Edigheji As South Africa grapples with unemployment, rising living costs and growing hostility towards migrants, a new analysis warns that the country\u2019s economic future is far more dependent on the rest of Africa than public debate often acknowledges. 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