Private Legal Practitioner and Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Clara Kowlaga Kasser-Tee, has criticised the South African government over recurring xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, insisting that African countries must begin demanding accountability from Pretoria.

In a Facebook post shared on May 28, 2026, she reacted to remarks by Leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF),Julius Malama, regarding Ghana’s recent evacuation of 300 citizens from South Africa following renewed tensions and attacks targeting foreign nationals.

“Really? Were your citizens treating Ghanaians with diplomacy and dialogue?” she questioned.

Kasser-Tee argued that the African continent has been overly tolerant of South Africa despite repeated incidents of xenophobic violence over the years.

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“What did your government do? What did your leaders do? What did corporate South Africa do?” she asked.

According to her, it is time for African countries to take stronger political and economic measures against South Africa in response to the attacks.

“The African continent has overindulged the South African government in the matter of these xenophobic attacks. It is time for accountability — politically and in business,” she stated.

She further called for tougher reciprocal policies against South Africa, including restrictions tied to agreements and permits.

“No renewals on expiries. Introduce the reciprocity clause in all relevant agreements. That is how to drive home the lesson on interdependence and interconnectedness, since obviously South African leadership is not doing so,” she wrote.

Kasser-Tee maintained that the South African government must bear responsibility for ensuring the safety of African migrants and their businesses.

“The South African government must take responsibility for these attacks. How long?” she queried.

She also commended the Ghanaian government for evacuating affected citizens from South Africa, saying the protection of Ghanaians abroad must remain a priority.

“Thumbs up to the Ghanaian government. Our compatriots’ lives and businesses matter,” she added.

She further urged South African authorities to take concrete steps to protect the businesses, properties and assets of Ghanaians still living in the country instead of criticising Ghana’s evacuation efforts.

“We are still expecting the South African government to take the required steps to protect the businesses, assets and properties of our compatriots. Yes, still, rather than pontificating on the measures that our government took to secure the lives of our compatriots. You have work to do,” she said.

Her reaction follows comment by Julius Malema, the Ghana's response to recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa has put South Africa in bad light.

Malema, in an interview sighted by GhanaWeb on May 28, 2026, argued that the evacuation of Ghanaians created the impression that all South Africans support the attacks.

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According to him, the actions of a section of society should not be used to judge the entire country.

"The Ghana response was not necessary because it now creates an impression that we are all like that when it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement," he said.



VPO