The South African government has reaffirmed its gratitude to Nigeria for its role in the anti-apartheid struggle, while pledging to strengthen bilateral relations amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in the country.
The assurance came Monday when South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, met Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, in Abuja.
Lamola said President Cyril Ramaphosa had asked him to deliver a special message to President Bola Tinubu, though Tinubu delegated the meeting to Enikanolaiye. Lamola described Nigeria’s contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle as historic, saying its sacrifices would never be forgotten. “We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” he said, adding that South Africa remained firmly opposed to xenophobia, racism, discrimination and every form of intolerance.
However, Lamola maintained that South Africa retained a sovereign responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and tackle criminal activities, including drug trafficking, internet fraud and irregular migration, describing migration as a continental challenge requiring collective action under the African Union’s framework.
Responding, Enikanolaiye said Tinubu had directed that the recurring attacks against Nigerians be openly addressed, describing the issue as a threat to relations between Africa’s two largest economies. He cited official records showing 98 Nigerians killed in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022, including five this year, and said some repatriated Nigerians believed the real figures were higher.
He stressed that while Nigeria does not support criminality, accused persons should face lawful prosecution rather than mob violence, and questioned why security agencies had failed to intervene in some attacks involving Nigerians legally resident in the country.
Enikanolaiye said nearly 1,500 Nigerians had been repatriated this year, describing the situation as heartbreaking. “I saw children, women and the elderly returning home with almost nothing after their properties had been looted and destroyed. That is not the Africa we want,” he said, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to cordial relations and continued dialogue with South Africa.
