Ramaphosa, remember your history
Your deafening silence on the recent xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans in South Africa is deeply troubling, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The violence being perpetrated by sections of the South African youth reflects a painful irony—one that appears to have been overlooked by leadership at the highest level.
South Africa’s liberation from apartheid did not occur in isolation.
It was sustained, in large part, by the generosity, solidarity, and sacrifices of other African nations—particularly Ghana.
Countries such as Zambia, Tanzania, and Angola provided sanctuary, financial support, and military training to anti-apartheid freedom fighters.
These nations, often referred to as the Frontline States, hosted political headquarters and served as operational bases for the struggle.
Ghana’s sacrifice
Ghana, under the visionary leadership of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, stood firmly at the forefront of this liberation effort.
Guided by his enduring belief that “the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa,” Nkrumah invested significant national resources into the anti-apartheid struggle.
He proposed the establishment of an African High Command—a unified continental military force—to confront apartheid regimes in South Africa and in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), then under Ian Smith, who infamously vowed that black majority rule would only come “over his dead body.”
History, however, proved otherwise.
Sanctuaries of freedom, resistance
In Accra, Nkrumah established the International Student Hostel—located where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now stands—as a haven for African freedom fighters and activists. In London, Ghana House became a refuge not only for Africans but for all people of African descent resisting oppression and colonial domination.
Divided approaches, united purpose
At the time, African leaders were divided on how best to confront apartheid. The radical Casablanca Group, led by Nkrumah, advocated a military approach. In contrast, the Monrovia Group, led by President William Tubman of Liberia, preferred dialogue and diplomacy.
Despite these differences, both blocs were united in their commitment to ending racial injustice in Southern Africa.
Know better
President Ramaphosa cannot claim ignorance of this history.
As a key figure in the African National Congress (ANC) during the struggle, he was part of a movement that directly benefitted from the goodwill of other African nations.
While today’s youth may be excused for their lack of historical awareness, the same cannot be said of those who lived through—and actively participated in—that defining era.
Hospitality betrayed
What we are witnessing today in South Africa—xenophobic attacks against citizens of nations that once stood in solidarity with its liberation struggle—is a betrayal of that shared history.
It is, quite simply, hospitality repaid with hostility.
There is an Akan proverb which says: “If you have nothing to offer your in-law, you do not turn around and rob him.”
This wisdom speaks directly to the current situation.
A call to action
Mr. President, the time to act is now. Leadership demands not silence, but decisive intervention.
You must rein in these acts of violence and restore South Africa’s moral standing on the continent.
Africa stood with South Africa in its darkest hour.
It is only right that South Africa now stands for Africa.
The Writer is a Legal Practitioner and Political Scientist, Tema
Email:
