“WE CAN LIVE WITHOUT WORKING LIKE THEY DO IN DUBAI” – SOUTH AFRICAN ANTI-IMMIGRATION FIGURE

A South African anti-immigration activist has sparked widespread debate after claiming that the country’s natural resources are sufficient to make every citizen wealthy without having to work.

Speaking during a public address, Phakel’Umthakathi, a leader of an anti-immigration group, argued that South Africa possesses enough wealth to provide each citizen with 1 million rand annually, while suggesting that foreign nationals could perform the country’s labour.

“South Africa can pay every South African 1 million rand every year forever. 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,” he said.

The remarks come amid heightened anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, where some groups have blamed undocumented migrants for rising unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

The comments have generated mixed reactions online. Supporters of the movement argue that South Africa’s mineral wealth should primarily benefit its citizens, while critics have challenged the claims as economically unrealistic and accused the speaker of promoting divisive rhetoric.

Economists have long noted that while South Africa is rich in natural resources, including gold, platinum, diamonds and other minerals, the country’s economy faces complex challenges such as unemployment, inequality, infrastructure constraints and fluctuating global commodity prices.

The comparison with the United Arab Emirates has also drawn scrutiny, with observers pointing out that the UAE’s labour market and economic structure differ significantly from South Africa’s.

The latest remarks add to the growing debate over immigration, economic opportunity and resource distribution, issues that have become increasingly prominent as anti-immigration demonstrations continue in parts of the country.

"WE CAN LIVE WITHOUT WORKING LIKE THEY DO IN DUBAI" – SOUTH AFRICAN ANTI-IMMIGRATION FIGURE pic.twitter.com/0YVMicqIfJ

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