By Engr. Bola Babarinde, Former Chairman, APC South Africa Chapter
When I relocated to South Africa in the year 2000, the nation was peaceful, warm, and welcoming to foreigners. There was no reason for hate or division. South Africans were loving, caring, and proud of their interactions with fellow Africans. Intermarriage was common and even encouraged by local parents, who saw it as a blessing when their daughters married Nigerians.
This was because Nigerian men are known for their deep sense of responsibility and devotion to family. We believe that a man should shoulder the full responsibility of his household. We do not subscribe to the Western idea of a 50–50 financial contribution between husband and wife. Instead, we embrace our traditional values. We are protectors, providers, and builders. About 98 percent of Nigerian men in South Africa embody these principles, while only a small fraction, the unfortunate 2 percent, tarnish our image through bad behavior.
Most Nigerians in South Africa are hardworking, law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate professions such as academia, education, business, and trade. However, when I walk the streets of Pretoria or Johannesburg today, I often wonder how some individuals even managed to secure visas to this beautiful land. Many qualified, decent Nigerians who could have contributed meaningfully are denied entry because of corruption within the South African embassy. In many cases, money determines who gets a visa, allowing unqualified individuals to enter while rejecting those who would have proudly and diligently added value to South African society.
This imbalance has contributed to the growing tension and misunderstanding between locals and foreigners. Ironically, many of the problems now attributed to foreigners are rooted in corruption and mismanagement within South Africa itself, not by foreign nationals, but by some of our South African brothers and sisters in positions of authority.
Those who truly remember the struggle for South Africa’s liberation know that Africans stood shoulder to shoulder in that fight. Nations across the continent offered refuge, support, and sacrifice for the freedom of our South African brothers and sisters. Such people understand the meaning of African solidarity. They know that the liberation of one African nation was the liberation of all.
Unfortunately, a generation has emerged that neither knows this history nor values its lessons. Ignorance, greed, and intolerance have replaced gratitude and brotherhood. Figures like Dr. Aron Motsoaledi, who have openly championed xenophobia and division in the so-called Rainbow Nation, only deepen the wounds of disunity.
Yet there are glimmers of hope. I often wonder where Julius Malema, also known as Sello, drew his inspiration, despite his youthful age, to champion the vision of One Africa, a continent without borders or prejudice. Now, with former President Jacob Zuma preaching love among Africans, and the ever-consistent Thabo Mbeki standing firm as an advocate of African unity, there is light at the end of the tunnel. With these men and many other positive thinkers still alive and vocal, South Africa will once again witness better days, when all Africans will be well integrated into society without suspicion, fear, or hate.
We must remember this truth: the borders that separate us are artificial. They were drawn by colonial powers, not by Africans. These boundaries were designed to divide us, weaken our unity, and keep us distracted while others exploit our wealth and potential.
The day Africans begin to love one another unconditionally across tribe, race, and nationality will be the day Africa rises to its rightful place in the world. We must embrace one another, correct the few bad eggs among us, and celebrate the good within ourselves.
Africa is richly blessed. We have fertile lands, abundant resources, beautiful weather, and resilient, intelligent people. Without Africa, the rest of the world would struggle to survive, for their progress has long been built on the exploitation and division of our continent. But that time is fading.
A new dawn is coming, an Africa united by love, guided by truth, and driven by brotherhood. We only need one thing to unlock our full potential, love.
When Africans begin to love and trust one another again, unity will follow, and with unity will come exponential progress.
We are one people, one destiny, one Africa.
Engr. Bola Babarinde
Former Chairman, APC South Africa Chapter
