Leaders of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in South Africa have attributed economic difficulties and increased migration to the exploitation of resources by foreign capital and insufficient domestic processing of those resources. The federation is specifically critical of practices related to resource extraction by Western companies operating in Africa. Cosatu officials voiced support for demands seeking reparations for the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism, arguing these past wrongs continue to impact economic realities today. This stance reflects a growing sentiment within South Africa regarding the need for a re-evaluation of economic relationships with international partners. The leaders emphasized addressing economic disparities as crucial to mitigating the drivers of migration within the continent. Cosatu’s statements signal a stronger push for economic justice and a more equitable distribution of wealth generated from Africa’s natural resources. They believe reparations are a necessary step towards redressing historical imbalances.