A South African social commentator and anti-immigration activist, Phakelumthakathi, has sparked widespread debate after claiming that South Africa possesses enough wealth to pay every citizen the equivalent of ₦1 million annually for the rest of their lives, arguing that South Africans would no longer need to work if the country's resources were properly managed.
In a video circulating widely on social media, Phakelumthakathi said:
«"South Africa can pay every South African ₦1 million every year for the rest of their lives. We don't even need to work. We can have these illegal immigrants come to South Africa to work for us, like in Dubai. In the UAE, only foreigners are working; Arabs aren't working."»
The remarks have generated intense reactions across South Africa, with supporters praising his comments as a bold call for citizens to benefit more directly from the country's vast natural resources. Others argued that South Africa's mineral wealth should translate into greater economic prosperity for ordinary citizens rather than persistent unemployment and poverty.
However, economists and policy analysts have dismissed the proposal as economically unrealistic, noting that such a programme would require financial resources far beyond the country's current fiscal capacity. They also questioned the comparison with the United Arab Emirates, pointing out that the UAE's economic model is supported by a relatively small citizen population, large sovereign wealth reserves and a labour system that differs significantly from South Africa's. South Africa currently faces a narrow tax base and substantial social welfare obligations, making such annual payments impractical under existing economic conditions.
The immigration aspect of the statement has also attracted criticism. While some supporters agreed that employment opportunities should primarily benefit South African citizens, others warned that suggesting undocumented immigrants should perform the country's labour could inflame anti-immigrant sentiment and worsen tensions in a country that has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
The viral comments have reignited conversations about South Africa's economic inequality, unemployment, immigration policy and the management of the country's natural resources. As debate continues online, the remarks have become another flashpoint in the ongoing national discussion over who should benefit from South Africa's wealth and how the country's economy should be structured.
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