One of the 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions has stirred controversy after making shocking claims about life in the country.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Afternoon Ghana on May 28, 2026, the returnee identified as Fiifi blamed alcoholism, drug abuse, and what he described as a poor work culture for some of the frustrations fueling attacks on foreign nationals.
“A South African woman can sit and drink 12 bottles of alcohol within 24 hours. So if you are drinking alcohol, where then do you get the time to do economic activities?” he claimed.
Fiifi, who said he lived in South Africa for nine months, argued that many Ghanaians, Nigerians, and other African migrants succeed there because they focus on working and running small businesses.
“When someone from Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, or Nigeria goes there and is braiding hair, doing nails, or other jobs, they say the person is taking their job. But you are not even doing any economic activity in the first place,” he stated.
He also made controversial comments about education and social life in South Africa, claiming academic qualifications do not always reflect wisdom or responsibility.
“A South African can go to school, but their ability to understand circumstances and make prudent judgments is not there,” he alleged.
According to him, some social conditions in South Africa contribute to crime and anti-foreigner sentiments.
“They don’t have a sense of community living, and alcoholism is everywhere,” he said, adding that drug use among teenagers is common in some areas.
Fiifi defended migration, insisting that moving abroad for business opportunities should not be viewed negatively.
“If I see a business opportunity, I will take it. If people see profit in hairdressing, nails, or other work, they will move there. It doesn’t mean their country is bad,” he stressed.
His comments come amid heightened tensions in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, which have forced hundreds of Ghanaians to return home under a government evacuation exercise.
The remarks have since sparked heated online reactions, with many debating his claims about social conditions and attitudes in South Africa.
