by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – AFRICAN liberation movements are facing growing criticism amid accusations that some have abandoned the ideals of freedom, equality and prosperity that inspired independence struggles across the continent.
As Africa commemorated Africa Day on Monday, political analyst and Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader, Mmusi Maimane, strongly criticised several long-ruling liberation parties, accusing them of corruption, cronyism, nepotism and poor governance that continue to push millions of citizens into poverty and economic desperation.
Maimane singled out Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) and Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM), alleging that these parties had failed to prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens while enriching politically connected elites.
“Liberation movements have destroyed Africa,” Maimane said during remarks linked to rising frustrations over governance, unemployment and migration across the continent.
His comments come amid renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals have increasingly become targets of violence and hostility.
Migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and other African countries have suffered attacks, looting and intimidation in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Maimane argued that ordinary migrants should not be blamed for seeking better opportunities in neighbouring countries, but that the root causes lie in governance failures within their home nations.
“The enemy of South Africa is not the desperate African migrant fleeing poverty and instability,” he stated.
“The real problem is failed leadership, corruption and economic mismanagement in many African countries.”
Political observers say corruption, cronyism and nepotism remain among the greatest threats to Africa’s democratic and economic progress.
When governments prioritise political loyalty, family connections and patronage over merit, transparency and accountability, public resources are often diverted away from essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, infrastructure and job creation.
Experts warn that corruption weakens institutions, discourages investment, increases unemployment and widens inequality.
In many instances, young people are left without opportunities, forcing them to migrate in search of work and stability elsewhere.
Good governance, on the other hand, is widely regarded as the foundation for sustainable economic growth and social stability.
Countries that uphold democratic principles, accountability, transparency and the rule of law are more likely to attract investment, create employment and improve living standards for their citizens.
Analysts also note that governments that listen to the needs and aspirations of the majority tend to build stronger economies and more peaceful societies.
Responsive leadership promotes public trust, social cohesion and national development, while reducing tensions linked to inequality and marginalisation.
Maimane further criticised what he described as political solidarity among some liberation movements, claiming that poor governance practices were often protected instead of challenged within regional alliances.
“The reason we are seeing unmanageable levels of migration is because many leaders have destroyed their own countries through corruption and repression,” he said.
Africa Day, traditionally celebrated as a symbol of unity, freedom and progress, has increasingly become a moment for reflection on the continent’s governance challenges and the urgent need for accountable leadership that prioritises the people over political elites.
– CAJ News