South African opposition figure, Julius Malema, has criticised citizens involved in xenophobic attacks against foreigners over claims of job losses.
He made the remarks on Thursday at an event marking the 14th anniversary of the Collen Mashawana Foundation.
The comments follow the circulation of videos showing violent assaults on African immigrants, particularly nationals from Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg also confirmed that two Nigerians — Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew — were killed amid the rising tensions.
Speaking at the event, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters questioned those attacking foreigners and shutting down their businesses, asking them to account for the jobs they have personally created.
He argued that many of those blaming foreigners lack the skills required for employment but still accuse others of taking their opportunities.
“I want to speak about the xenophobic and afrophobia that we are practicing here in South Africa today,” he said.
“I want to challenge you who say ‘Zimbabweans take your jobs, Nigerians take your jobs’ and you march, close shops, and beat up people. Tell us after doing that, how many jobs have you created?
“You beat people because they took jobs. You closed a show that hired five people and you say they take our jobs. After closing that shop, how many jobs have you created?
“Unskilled men, with no skill whatsoever, say somebody took their jobs. The skill they know is to drink and I want to pretend like revolutionaries.
“I don’t want your votes. If you behave like that, take them away. I don’t want a vote that says to me, I must hate Africans for you to vote for me. I will never do that.”