The controversy surrounding Chidinma Adetshina, a finalist in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageantry, highlights the deep-seated problems of tribalism and ethnocentrism in Africa. Chidinma, a naturalised South African citizen, faced severe backlash because of her Nigerian heritage, despite meeting the competition’s criteria, as confirmed by the organisers. This incident was a reminder that xenophobia in Africa is just another form of tribalism, a contradiction of the Ubuntu values we pride ourselves on as Africans, and an obstacle to the African agenda that must be confronted if the continent is ever to rise.
Remove the plank from your own eye
In today’s digital age, social media amplifies people’s viewpoints, often exposing wide-ranging underlying prejudices in what people say. We have seen Nigerians taking to social media to condemn South Africans, as if we were doing better. But Nigerians are also divided along ethnic lines, as evidenced by recent calls for people of Igbo ethnicity to leave Lagos and the southwest of Nigeria. The massive hashtag #Igbomustgo shows that Nigerians might act similarly to South Africans if the roles were reversed.
The Chidinma incident is also a reminder that, within the continent, immigrants continue to be perceived as a threat rather than as a positive addition to our communities. Historically, as well as contemporarily, our people have suffered from racism and other forms of discrimination throughout the world. This history should make us more sensitive to the pains of discrimination and stop us from becoming perpetrators of such prejudice ourselves.
Yet here we are, forced to confront our contradictions. On the one hand, we promote African unity and integration through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and the AU’s Agenda 2063. On the other hand, we continue to see divisive actions and sentiments within and between our borders. These contradictions undermine our efforts to build a cohesive and prosperous continent. Obviously, African leaders are not solely responsible for our state of affairs. They may be a reflection of our societies. If we are to succeed in these initiatives, we must address the underlying prejudices and fears that fuel tribalism and discrimination.
Myths fueling hate
In Africa, xenophobia is often associated with economic hardship, with South Africa being a prominent example where it is fueled by the belief that foreigners – mainly migrants from other African countries – are responsible for the social and economic woes of local communities. These misconceptions about immigrants taking away opportunities from locals are deeply ingrained, but misplaced. Evidence shows that migrants and locals in South Africa often perform complementary tasks, increasing overall productivity and reducing competition for jobs. This synergy raises the productivity and wages of native workers. Immigrants also have higher employment rates due to their diverse skills, generating significant economic benefits. Immigrants tend to be more entrepreneurial and less risk-averse, further benefiting the economy. Some 25% of immigrants are self-employed, compared with 16% of the native-born. This higher rate of entrepreneurship increases the supply of small businesses, stimulating economic growth and generating wider economic benefits.
What values for Africa’s integration
The backlash against Chidinma also calls into question the values that Africa claims to stand for. We pride ourselves on being a continent of Ubuntu – a philosophy that emphasises community, shared humanity and mutual respect. These values should always define who we are as Africans. Our reputation for warmth and hospitality is one of the continent’s most celebrated qualities. A global survey of 140 nations ranked how friendly locals are to tourists, with three African countries making the top 10. In addition, the majority of African countries were ranked in the top half of the list in this category. This year, South Africa was ranked as the world’s friendliest country. What is worrying, however, is that such praise often comes from sources outside Africa. Are we living up to these values when it comes to our fellow Africans? If we are so welcoming to visitors from around the world, then we have the capacity to extend the same hospitality and respect to each other. This is not only an opportunity but an obligation to promote unity and inclusiveness within our own continent.
If we are to live up to the values we claim to stand for, it is essential that we foster a culture of inclusivity and empathy. We must recognise that diversity is a strength, not a threat. This means not only embracing the economic contributions of immigrants, but also promoting the values of tolerance, respect and understanding for which we are known. It reinforces the idea that Africans, regardless of their country of origin, are part of a larger community with common goals and aspirations.
The way forward
To address this challenge, a multi-faceted approach combining both proactive and punitive measures is essential. Proactive strategies should include initiatives such as comprehensive information and awareness-raising campaigns, cultural exchange programmes and the implementation of multicultural education. Such initiatives would promote understanding and tolerance, thereby preventing xenophobia from taking root. The continent’s biggest football tournament, the AFCON, presents an excellent opportunity to promote these ideals, but it remains under-utilised for this purpose. Similarly, social spaces should be filled with information that dispels misconceptions associated with xenophobia.
Conversely, punitive measures need to be embedded in the legal framework, which could include strict criminal sanctions for acts of discrimination and hate speech. This is particularly important to hold accountable those politicians who exploit xenophobic sentiments for personal gain or as a means of deflecting attention from their failures in governance. In the long term, preventive measures should be prioritised and it is essential to adopt a positive and constructive approach, prioritising campaigns that promote tolerance and equality over those that simply combat racism and discrimination.
Ultimately, combating xenophobia and promoting genuine African values of unity, community and respect will require more than rhetoric; it will require significant financial commitment. The scale of resources required to implement continental agreements and initiatives is enormous. The African Union’s 2020 budget for its 55 member states is only US$647.3 million, with many countries lagging behind in their contributions. To truly advance African integration and unity, member states must prioritise and adequately fund these continental initiatives, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to drive meaningful change.
The backlash against Chidinma Adetshina underscores the complex challenges we face in advancing integration initiatives across Africa. Challenging misconceptions, championing unity and promoting the economic and values-based case for integration are essential steps in building a more inclusive and prosperous continent. We must ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can contribute to and benefit from the continent’s collective growth and development.
