By Sabiu Abdullahi
The South African government has expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its contribution to the country’s liberation from apartheid. It also pledged to strengthen cooperation with Abuja as both nations seek solutions to the recurring attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, in Abuja.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had reportedly asked Lamola to deliver a message to President Bola Tinubu. However, Tinubu delegated the meeting to Enikanolaiye.
Lamola said his visit was intended to reaffirm the long-standing relationship between both countries and discuss concerns over the violence directed at foreign nationals in South Africa.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. He described the assistance as a historic sacrifice that South Africans continue to appreciate.
“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” Lamola said.
He also stated that President Ramaphosa’s administration rejects xenophobia, racism, discrimination, homophobia and every form of intolerance.
The minister, however, maintained that South Africa has the responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and tackle irregular migration as well as crimes such as drug trafficking, internet fraud and other offences.
Lamola added that migration has become a challenge across Africa. He said the issue requires collective action in line with the African Union’s framework on orderly and regular migration.
“We believe that Nigeria and South Africa have a shared responsibility to respond to these challenges within the African continent,” he said.
He noted that President Ramaphosa’s message to Tinubu would be discussed during a private meeting.
In his remarks, Enikanolaiye said President Tinubu directed the engagement to address the continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa openly and sincerely.
He called on the South African government to take decisive steps to end what Nigeria described as repeated Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals. He warned that the violence could undermine decades of cooperation between Africa’s two biggest economies.
The minister disclosed that official records show 98 Nigerians have lost their lives in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.
He added that 5 Nigerians have been killed this year, although some returnees claimed the actual number could be higher.
Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria does not support criminal activities. He said anyone accused of an offence should face prosecution through the courts instead of mob action.
“Nigeria will not support drug traffickers or any criminal activity, but those accused of crimes must be treated in accordance with the rule of law, South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights standards,” he said.
He also noted that many victims of the attacks were lawful residents of South Africa. He questioned why security agencies failed to intervene in some cases. He said such incidents raise concerns about the protection of foreign nationals.
According to the minister, nearly 1,500 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa this year.
“I shed tears when I received the first batch of evacuees. 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.
Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with South Africa. He expressed hope that both countries would deepen dialogue, rebuild mutual confidence and uphold the ideals of African solidarity.
