THE LOWLY NEWSPAPERMAN: Reason, logic and facts die when we clash with populists over migration
The solid arguments against anti-migrant sentiment are being drowned out by the voices of populists. A new conversation has to have empathy for the masses without pandering to xenophobic tendencies, and without giving up on the facts.
A recent seminar in Johannesburg discussed the issue of immigration in South Africa, highlighting the importance of facts and logic in the conversation. Standard Bank CEO Sim Tshabalala argued that immigration is beneficial for economies and quoted studies supporting his claim. MTN chair Mcebisi Jonas cautioned against placing blame for the country's economic crisis on migrants, stating that the crisis is due to weak growth, poor governance, and other factors.
Motlanthe, the former president, noted that South Africa's modern economy was built by migrants and expressed disappointment in the lack of a balanced dialogue on the topic. However, the seminar revealed that populist voices, often fueled by disinformation and hyperbole, are dominating public discourse, overshadowing the well-researched arguments for immigration's positive impact on the country.
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