South Africa

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian academic at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa, Dr Ayodele Odularu, has been found dead at her residence in the Eastern Cape Province.

Odularu, who was 51 years old, reportedly died on August 16, according to her brother, Gbadebo Odularu, who spoke with Punch’s Diaspora Tales.

A member of the deceased’s family, who spoke anonymously, said relatives did not believe her death was natural. The family member added that the circumstances surrounding her death remained unclear.

The family has consequently called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s death.

In a GoFundMe statement released by Gbadebo on behalf of the family, Odularu was remembered as a scholar who “dedicated her life to knowledge, discovery, and creating a better future for communities”.

The family further stated that “although her journey on earth ended too soon, the impact of her life continues through the people she inspired, the knowledge she shared, and the communities she hoped to serve”.

“Ayodele was far more than a sister. She was a cherished daughter, aunt, friend, mentor, scholar, and a source of encouragement, compassion, wisdom, and strength to everyone blessed to know her,” the statement reads.

The statement also described her personality and her contribution to academia.

“Her presence brought warmth into every room. She was known for her kindness, infectious laughter, generosity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. She had a rare ability to make people feel valued, heard, and inspired.

“Dr. Ayodele Odularu dedicated her life to knowledge, discovery, and creating a better future for communities.

“As an Independent Senior Researcher at the University of Fort Hare Community, she contributed meaningfully to academic research and the advancement of knowledge through her scholarly work.”

The University of Fort Hare held a memorial service in her honour on Thursday.

Her death comes at a time of heightened concern over attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The Federal Government has, since June, facilitated the evacuation of 1,716 Nigerians from South Africa amid reports of xenophobic attacks in the country.

The circumstances surrounding Odularu’s death remain subject to investigation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 38-year-old South African woman, Will Ann, to 25 years in prison for importing 5.75 kilogrammes of heroin into Nigeria.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu imposed the sentence on Thursday after Ann pleaded guilty to the drug trafficking charges filed against her by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The convict was first brought before the court in August after the anti-narcotics agency accused her of importing the prohibited substance into the country.

According to the NDLEA, Ann was arrested in July during the inward clearance of passengers aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1433 from Doha at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The agency said Ann had travelled with her three-year-old son and initially denied having check-in luggage.

However, the NDLEA said she later admitted ownership of two bags after its officers discovered that the tags on them corresponded with the claim tags attached to her passport.

The agency further disclosed that Ann’s husband was arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 27, 2026, over an alleged attempt to traffic 3.2 kilogrammes of illicit drugs to Hong Kong.

Court Considers Value Of Seized Heroin

After Ann entered her guilty plea, the prosecution asked the court to consider the quantity and estimated value of the heroin when determining the appropriate punishment.

The prosecution told the court that one kilogramme of the drug was worth approximately N18 million.

Ann appealed to the court for mercy. She said she was remorseful and promised not to commit a similar offence again.

She also claimed that she was unaware that the bags contained illicit drugs.

In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu noted that Ann had admitted the offence in an extrajudicial statement before entering her guilty plea in court.

The judge held that the law provides that a conviction follows a guilty plea and subsequently found Ann guilty.

While handing down the sentence, Egwuatu said “crime does not pay” and that the law does not recognise “emotions”.

The judge sentenced Ann to 15 years in prison on the first count and 25 years on the second count.

He ordered that both terms should run concurrently, meaning Ann will serve a total of 25 years behind bars.

The court also ordered the destruction of the seized heroin if the convict does not appeal the judgment within the period allowed by law.

By Myolisi Gophe

When meningitis robbed him of his hearing at the age of eight, many believed Ibrahim Tukur’s future had been written off. His teachers could no longer reach him. Friends drifted away. Some mocked him. Even his father, convinced there was no future for a deaf child, withdrew him from school.

Today, that same boy is pursuing a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Disability Studies at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Department of Rehabilitation and Health Sciences as the first Deaf Mandela Rhodes Scholar – one of Africa’s most prestigious leadership scholarships – and is using his experiences to advocate for a more inclusive society.

For Tukur, who hails from Nigeria, his journey is not simply one of overcoming adversity – it is proof that when barriers are removed and opportunities are created, people with disabilities can thrive.

“Receiving the scholarship was one of the happiest moments of my life,” he said. “It reminded me that our disabilities do not determine our success.”

Growing up in Ingawa, a small town in Nigeria’s Katsina State, life changed overnight when meningitis left him Deaf.

Unable to follow lessons in mainstream classrooms, he experienced a sharp decline in academic performance.

“My life drastically changed,” he recalled. “I could no longer understand what my teachers were teaching.”

The social isolation that followed was equally devastating.

“I lost most of my friends, who avoided me because of my deafness, as if it were a curse.”

Believing there was little hope for his son’s future, his father removed him from school.

But fate intervened.

A relative encouraged his father to enrol him at the Government School for the Deaf in Malumfashi, a residential school where sign language was the primary means of communication.

The impact was immediate.

“For the first time since losing my hearing, I learned in an environment where everyone communicated through sign language. Gradually, I regained my confidence, rediscovered my love for learning, and began to believe in myself again.”

That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to ensuring other Deaf children would not face the same barriers.

He went on to earn a degree in Special Education from Bayero University in Kano before enrolling at UCT to deepen his understanding of disability inclusion and advocacy.

Today, he serves as the head teacher at Dambo Tukur School for the Deaf and he also co-founded the Thrive Disability Initiative, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities through education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Finding inclusion at UCT

Although he had spent years advocating for disability rights, arriving at UCT introduced him to a level of inclusion he had never previously experienced.

“I have never experienced what real inclusion was like until I came to UCT,” he said.

When he struggled to find accommodation upon arrival, staff at UCT’s Disability Service stepped in immediately, helping secure accessible accommodation at Obz Square in Observatory and installing assistive technologies in his room.

Initially, he worried he might be inconveniencing others.

“I realised that inclusion is not about doing someone a favour. It is about removing barriers so everyone can participate equally.”

Another turning point came when his South African Sign Language interpreter connected him with members of the Western Cape Deaf community.

“Through them, I found friendship, belonging and a sense of home.”

Those experiences reinforced his belief that leadership begins by creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued and included.

The importance of leadership

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship recognises more than academic excellence. It seeks young leaders committed to reconciliation, entrepreneurship and social impact.

For him, leadership has always been measured by how many lives are impacted, rather than what titles people have.

Among his proudest achievements is advocating for the establishment of Dambo Tukur School for the Deaf back home, which now provides quality education to more than 50 Deaf children who previously had little or no access to schooling.

He has also organised mentorship programmes for Deaf learners, trained government workers in sign language to improve communication with Deaf citizens and coordinated vocational skills programmes that have enabled many unemployed Deaf adults to become financially independent.

One of his biggest challenges came while campaigning for the school.

Government officials initially resisted the proposal because of misconceptions about Deaf people.

Rather than allowing disagreement to create division, he chose dialogue.

“By continuing to engage respectfully and demonstrating the importance of inclusive education, we eventually secured approval and established the school.”

He believes those experiences embody the leadership values championed by the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.

Overcoming invisible barriers

His own university experience also revealed the everyday obstacles Deaf students continue to face.

As an undergraduate, before his journey with UCT, he completed his degree without the support of a sign language interpreter.

Instead, he relied on lecture notes, handouts, and hours of independent study to compensate for the information he could not access in class.

“There were moments when I questioned whether I truly belonged at university and whether I could succeed in a system that was not designed with Deaf students in mind.”

Despite those challenges, he graduated with an Upper Second Class pass (an average score between 60% and 69% across his university courses).

The experience shaped his conviction that disability itself is not the greatest obstacle.

“Inaccessible environments create the greatest barriers to success.”

As someone who has lived the realities of exclusion, he believes universities have an important role to play in changing society.

He would like to see disability studies integrated across disciplines so that graduates in every field understand disability rights, accessibility, and inclusive communication.

He also advocates for stronger support services, including timely access to sign language interpreters, assistive technologies and accessible learning materials.

Financial support for students with disabilities, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is equally important.

Long-term vision

His long-term vision is ambitious: over the next decade, he hopes to empower at least 500 people with disabilities through education, leadership development and entrepreneurship.

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, he said, provides more than financial support.

“It gives me the knowledge, networks and leadership experience to achieve these goals.”

Looking back on his journey, he hopes his story inspires other Deaf learners to believe in themselves.

“Do not allow society’s expectations to define your future,” he said.

“There will be obstacles, and there may be moments when people underestimate your abilities, but your deafness does not determine your intelligence, your talent or your potential.”

His message is simple but powerful.

“If a boy who was once withdrawn from school because people believed he had no future could become a Mandela Rhodes Scholar and study at one of Africa’s leading universities, then you should never doubt what is possible for your own life.

“Dream boldly, persevere through challenges, and remember that you deserve to learn, to lead and thrive just like everyone else.”

Editor’s Note: The article was first published on the Cape Town University news website here: How a Deaf student experienced real inclusion at UCT.

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has evacuated 39 more Nigerians from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Lagos under an emergency airlift coordinated by Air Peace.

The latest evacuation followed an arrangement for citizens who were unable to board the previous flight organised by the government.

The evacuation exercise is part of efforts to bring home Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The programme targets citizens who completed the required documentation within the deadline set by the authorities.

In a statement issued on Friday, the government said the additional flight was organised to ensure the evacuation process continued without interruption.

It added that the aircraft was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos at about 8:50 p.m. on Friday.

The Federal Government also commended the management of Air Peace for providing support for the additional evacuation operation.

According to the statement, the final evacuation flight is expected next week. It will bring home about 300 more Nigerians from South Africa.

The government reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to the welfare, protection, and safe return of Nigerians affected by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

South African international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adams was reportedly found dead on Saturday morning at a residential building in Schotschekloof, a suburb of central Cape Town. Authorities and members of his family have not disclosed the cause of his death.

His death came shortly after another tragedy in his family. His 72-year-old grandmother, Marianna Adams, died on June 17, one day before South Africa’s decisive group-stage match against the Czech Republic.

Despite the loss, Adams remained with the national team. He started the match and continued his World Cup campaign.

Brendine Johnson, the late footballer’s mentor and family representative, confirmed the news and spoke about the shock surrounding his death.

“This passing has ripped everybody apart, returning from the World Cup just now, and then getting such news. Nobody expected this,” Johnson said.

He added, “I had a close conversation with him on Thursday, the guy was really positive on returning back, and being able to return after the World Cup… knowing what lies ahead, he was prepared.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also confirmed Adams’ death in a post on X.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, described the footballer’s death as a huge loss to the country.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie said.

The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) also paid tribute to the midfielder.

“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction,” the union stated.

It added, “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.”

Adams played a key role in South Africa’s historic World Cup campaign. The Bafana Bafana side reached the knockout stage for the first time in the tournament’s history. He featured in all three group-stage matches. He started against Mexico and the Czech Republic before coming off the bench in the team’s 1–0 victory over South Korea.

At club level, Adams enjoyed a successful 2025/26 season with Mamelodi Sundowns. He helped the club win the CAF Champions League title after joining from Stellenbosch FC.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hundreds of Nigerians in South Africa who registered for evacuation following recent xenophobic attacks are reportedly facing hardship due to delays in the Federal Government’s repatriation programme.

The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its National President, Frank Onyekwelu.

The Federal Government had earlier announced plans on June 7, 2026, to deploy five chartered Air Peace flights to evacuate affected Nigerians from South Africa. Despite the announcement, only one flight has so far arrived in Nigeria. The aircraft landed in Lagos last Thursday with 258 evacuees, although more than 1,000 Nigerians were said to have shown interest in returning home.

NICASA said many Nigerians travelled from different provinces in South Africa after authorities directed them to appear for registration and screening. According to the association, many of them are now stranded without accommodation, food, transport fare or financial support.

The statement read, “Hundreds of Nigerians who responded to the Federal Government’s evacuation programme have endured untold hardship following delays in the scheduled repatriation flights.

“Many of these citizens travelled from distant provinces across South Africa after being instructed to report for registration and screening. Today, numerous families, including women and children, are stranded without shelter, food, transportation, or financial means to sustain themselves.

“The situation has become increasingly distressing as some of our nationals have been left sleeping in difficult conditions, uncertain of when they will return home.

“Several have exhausted their limited resources after travelling long distances in good faith, believing that arrangements had been adequately concluded for their departure.”

The association appealed to the Federal Government and relevant agencies to urgently address the situation.

NICASA stated that it “makes an urgent and passionate appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, to immediately intervene in the worsening humanitarian situation facing stranded Nigerian nationals awaiting voluntary repatriation from South Africa.”

The group also requested the immediate release of emergency assistance for stranded Nigerians while they await evacuation.

It further called on “Relevant government agencies to urgently facilitate the remaining four evacuation flights so that all registered citizens can be safely returned home without further delay.

“The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to improve communication, provide temporary welfare support, and engage constructively with community leadership structures to address the immediate needs of affected citizens.”

Reacting to the development, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said there was no fresh update yet on the evacuation exercise. He, however, promised to provide information once there is a new development.

Also speaking, the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, assured affected Nigerians that everyone who registered for evacuation would eventually return home.

He appealed for patience, stating that the government was working to ensure the smooth completion of the repatriation process.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has expressed concern over the growing impact of xenophobia allegations on the country’s international reputation, warning that the situation is beginning to affect citizens, businesses and entertainers across Africa.

Kubayi said the negative perception of South Africa is creating challenges beyond diplomatic circles. She noted that artists who depend on performances in other African countries are now facing cancelled bookings and financial losses.

“Majority of South African artists who perform in other African countries are seeing their gigs getting cancelled. One artist reached out to me and said all her gigs were cancelled,” she said.

The minister explained that the backlash has affected the country’s image and is creating difficulties for both individuals and businesses operating outside South Africa.

“We are raising the issues that we are raising, the brand is hurting, we can’t lie about it. The backlash, and that’s why part of the work that we are doing as government as well through DECO is engagement with businesses abroad,” she said.

According to Kubayi, the government has stepped up diplomatic efforts to support South African companies facing challenges in other countries. She added that Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola has been holding discussions with businesses abroad, while consular assistance has also been strengthened.

She noted that the effects have now spread to the entertainment industry, where cancelled performances are depriving artists of expected income. The government, she said, plans to work closely with stakeholders in the arts and culture sector to assess the extent of the problem and consider possible responses.

Despite the criticism directed at the country, Kubayi rejected claims that South Africans should generally be described as xenophobic. She stated that the government remains committed to responsible citizenship and is addressing migration issues through legal and institutional channels.

The minister also said South Africa continues to engage with other African countries, which she claimed understand the challenges posed by undocumented migration and support lawful enforcement measures.

At the same time, she called on communities to refrain from attacks on foreign nationals, warning that such actions undermine national unity and damage South Africa’s standing internationally.

Kubayi stressed that foreigners who reside legally in the country deserve protection. She said the government’s approach seeks to balance immigration enforcement with respect for human rights and regional cooperation.

Recent incidents of violence and unrest involving foreign nationals have renewed concerns about xenophobia in South Africa. Reports indicate that anti-immigrant protests and attacks on foreign-owned businesses in some communities have forced migrants from countries including Nigeria, Mozambique and Malawi to flee affected areas or seek protection.

Human rights organisations have linked the incidents to economic hardship, unemployment and growing hostility toward undocumented migrants.

The issue has also generated debate during the ongoing World Cup period. Discussions surrounding South Africa’s participation have been influenced by reports of attacks on foreign nationals, while some African football supporters have voiced criticism and anger on social media and fan platforms.

The developments have intensified concerns that xenophobia-related tensions could continue to harm South Africa’s image across the continent.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fresh tensions emerged in Ghana on Thursday after demonstrators under the banner of the “South Africa Must Go” campaign marched to the headquarters of MTN Ghana in Accra, demanding the departure of South African businesses from the country.

The protesters gathered in large numbers and moved to the telecommunications company’s head office amid growing anger over recent xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa.

Videos shared on social media showed demonstrators carrying placards and chanting slogans as they approached the MTN Ghana premises in the Ghanaian capital.

The protest forms part of the wider “South Africa Must Go” campaign, which has gained momentum in recent days. Organisers say the movement is a response to reports of xenophobic attacks and killings targeting African migrants in South Africa.

The development comes weeks after Ghana began evacuating some of its citizens from South Africa following renewed tensions linked to anti-foreigner violence.

On May 27, 2026, the first batch of Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa arrived in Accra. The Ghanaian government assured the returnees that they would receive support and would not be treated as refugees.

While welcoming about 300 evacuees, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the government had put measures in place to assist those returning home.

“You are not going to arrive in Ghana as if you are orphans,” Ablakwa said. “You arrive, you are a hero’s welcome. The Chief of Staff himself has called me to say that he would love to join me to receive you.”

He also disclosed that senior government officials would be present to receive the returnees.

“And he will be there leading a high-powered government delegation to receive all of you,” he said.

The minister further stated, “You have seen the arrangements that the President has made. We have met and discussed a five-item package that everybody will be entitled to.”

Although he did not provide details of the package, Ablakwa said the government’s response reflected its commitment to protecting and supporting Ghanaian citizens abroad.

“We want to show the world that we cherish our nationals. Our citizens matter to us,” he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that the evacuees should be regarded as displaced persons.

“You are not refugees. You are not some destitutes. Ghana is not some war zone where we cannot take care of our own. Ghana is a place to be,” he added.

The minister praised Ghana’s reputation as a peaceful and welcoming country, noting that many foreigners continue to choose the country as a destination.

“And that’s why many, many foreigners are trooping to Ghana… they always feel at home,” he said.

He assured the returnees that they would continue to be treated with dignity upon their arrival.

“We will accept you as royals,” Ablakwa said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has welcomed 270 Nigerian citizens who returned from South Africa under an ongoing voluntary return initiative coordinated through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The development was announced in a statement issued by the Head of Operations at the NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mohammed Olatunde, and made available to journalists in Lagos on Thursday.

According to Olatunde, the returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja after completing registration and screening procedures required under the programme.

He said officials of NEMA, alongside representatives of other government agencies and relevant stakeholders, were present at the airport to receive the returnees and assist with their reintegration process.

Olatunde explained that the Federal Government arranged transportation for the returnees to enable them to travel to their various destinations across the country.

He added that ambulance services and emergency medical support were also provided for individuals who required urgent healthcare attention upon arrival.

The NEMA official reiterated the agency’s commitment to offering humanitarian assistance and ensuring the safe reception of Nigerians who choose to return home from other countries.

He noted that the initiative was established to guarantee the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerian citizens.

Olatunde further stated that NEMA would continue working with relevant stakeholders to support the welfare and reintegration of the returnees.

The returnees arrived amid ongoing concerns over xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa. The voluntary return programme is aimed at assisting Nigerians who wish to come back home. (NAN)