President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa to respect the country’s laws, customs, and traditions, amid renewed tensions targeting foreigners in parts of the country.
Speaking during a Freedom Day broadcast on SABC News, Ramaphosa emphasised that while South Africa remains committed to human rights and international cooperation, its immigration laws would be strictly enforced.
“To those who are here legally, respect our laws, conventions, and traditions, just as you would expect the same in your own country,” the president said.
He urged citizens to allow legal processes to address issues relating to undocumented migrants, noting that mechanisms had already been put in place to deal with those residing in the country illegally. Ramaphosa also reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to multilateralism, international law, and peaceful coexistence.
His remarks come against the backdrop of protests and reported attacks on foreign nationals in cities including Durban, Cape Town, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where incidents of looting and violence have been recorded.
However, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, has sought to calm concerns, stating that Nigerians are not under coordinated attack and that the situation remains under control.
Speaking on Channels Television, Ajayi described the incidents as isolated, urging Nigerians to remain cautious but avoid panic. He added that both Nigerian and South African authorities are working together to ensure the safety of citizens.
Ajayi also dismissed viral videos showing harassment of foreigners as unrepresentative of the broader South African population, attributing such actions to a small group of individuals.
Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has issued safety advisories to Nigerians in South Africa, urging them to remain law-abiding, avoid confrontations, and monitor local developments.
The commission warned that some protests had turned violent and advised Nigerian business owners to take precautionary measures. It also confirmed that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is collaborating with local authorities to safeguard citizens.
In addition, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging with South African officials as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
