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  • South Africa Rejects Compensation Demand, Asks Nigeria to Identify Alleged Drug Dens

    The South African government has ruled out paying compensation for illegal structures occupied by foreign nationals, while calling on the Nigerian government to provide information on locations allegedly used for drug-related activities by Nigerians in the country.

    The remarks were made by South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a briefing on government policy regarding foreign-owned assets and informal settlements.

    Government insists only legal properties are protected

    Ntshavheni said foreign nationals who legally own assets in South Africa are free to sell them before leaving the country, stressing that only properties recognised under South African law qualify for legal protection.

    According to her, houses are registered with the Deeds Registry, vehicles through the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS), while businesses are registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.

    “If you own a property in South Africa, it’s registered. If it’s a house, it’s registered with the Deeds Register. If you own a car, it’s registered in the NATIS system. If you own a business, it’s registered with the CIPC,” she said.

    She maintained that informal settlements and illegal structures do not qualify as recognised properties under the law.

    Calls for information on alleged drug locations

    The minister also called on the Nigerian government to provide information on places allegedly being used for drug-related activities.

    “We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are so they can show us where they’ve been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently,” she said.

    Ntshavheni added that authorities would continue clearing illegal settlements in line with court judgments and warned that no compensation would be paid for structures considered unlawful.

    “There’s no compensation that will come from government,” she said, adding that owners of legally registered properties remain free to dispose of their assets through South Africa’s property market before leaving the country.

    The comments come amid ongoing discussions over immigration enforcement, illegal settlements and crime involving foreign nationals in South Africa.

     

  • Nigeria Considers Retaliatory Measures Over Anti-Nigerian Violence in South Africa

    The Federal Government has indicated that Nigeria may consider retaliatory measures against South Africa following renewed incidents of violence targeting Nigerians living in the country.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saying the option remains under consideration as concerns grow over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

    Evacuation Process Delayed

    According to the minister, plans to begin evacuating willing Nigerians from South Africa on Monday were delayed due to ongoing verification and screening exercises being conducted jointly with South African authorities.

    She explained that the documentation process, which reportedly involved more than 1,000 Nigerians, began last Thursday and was expected to conclude before evacuation arrangements could be finalised.

    The government said preparations were still ongoing for citizens who had indicated their desire to return home.

    Nigeria Not Happy, Says Minister

    Speaking on the possibility of restricting certain privileges currently enjoyed by South Africans in Nigeria, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the matter could be considered at the highest levels of government.

    “Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government,” she said.

    She added that the option was “not off the table.”

    References to Nigeria’s Support During Apartheid

    The minister noted that many Nigerians remain unhappy about what they see as a pattern of hostility despite Nigeria’s historic role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

    According to her, Nigeria committed significant resources, financial support and educational opportunities to South Africans during the fight against apartheid.

    She recalled that many Nigerians participated in protests and advocacy campaigns in solidarity with South Africa during that period.

    Concerns Over Targeting of Black Migrants

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu also alleged that black migrants were being disproportionately targeted.

    “Nigeria is a serious frontline state, and Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated. They are not asking other migrants to leave; they’re only asking black migrants to leave,” she said.

    The development comes amid growing calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between both countries as concerns persist over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa.

  • Looting Erupts in South African Town as Foreign-Owned Shops Targeted After Deportation Dispute

    Several shops owned by foreign nationals were looted in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on Friday following rising tensions over a controversial ultimatum issued to undocumented foreign business owners.

    The incident occurred just days after a deadline given by local authorities for certain foreign traders to leave the town expired.

    Six Foreign-Owned Shops Looted

    KwaZulu-Natal Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that six foreign-owned shops were targeted during the unrest.

    According to him, no injuries were reported and law enforcement officers quickly moved to restore calm in the area.

    “Six shops owned by foreign nationals were looted and calm has been restored in the area,” Netshiunda said.

    He added that police are currently assessing the situation while investigations continue.

    Tensions Linked to Court Challenge

    Authorities believe the unrest may be connected to a legal dispute involving Estcourt Mayor Mduduzi Myeza.

    The mayor had reportedly issued a 21-day deadline directing undocumented foreign business owners to leave the town.

    The deadline expired on May 27, prompting affected traders to challenge the directive in court on May 26.

    Police said some residents may have reacted to the legal action taken by the foreign nationals against the mayor’s decision.

    Authorities Seek Lasting Solution

    Netshiunda disclosed that a meeting involving the mayor’s office, police officials and property owners was scheduled for Friday afternoon.

    The gathering is expected to address growing tensions between local residents, foreign nationals and government authorities.

    Officials hope the discussions will help prevent further violence and promote peaceful coexistence within the community.

    Fresh Concerns Over Xenophobic Attacks

    The incident has renewed concerns about recurring anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of South Africa, where foreign-owned businesses have frequently been targeted during periods of social and economic tension.

    While no casualties were reported in the latest unrest, the attack has once again highlighted the fragile relationship between local communities and migrant business owners in some areas of the country.

  • Peter Obi Meets Thabo Mbeki, Ian Khama During South Africa Visit

    Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has held a closed-door meeting with former South African President Thabo Mbeki during his visit to South Africa.

    Obi also met with former Botswana President Ian Khama as part of engagements held in Cape Town before proceeding to Johannesburg.

    Obi Meets African Leaders

    The development was disclosed in a statement shared on Peter Obi’s official page, where he appreciated both former leaders for their commitment to peace, unity, and African development.

    According to the statement, discussions during the meeting also touched on recent immigration-related tensions within parts of Africa and the need for stronger continental cooperation.

    “Both Mr Khama and Mr Mbeki continue to hold significant respect across the continent due to their remarkable contributions, both during and after their presidencies,” the statement read.

    Africa Day Lecture

    Obi also revealed that he reunited with former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, during the Thabo Mbeki Africa Day lecture organised by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

    The event brought together political leaders, intellectuals, and stakeholders from across Africa to discuss issues affecting the continent’s future.

    Photos from the gathering showed Obi alongside Mbeki, Khama, and Fayemi during the engagement.

    Focus on African Unity

    The former presidential candidate praised the elder statesmen for their continued advocacy for peace, diplomacy, and African unity despite leaving office years ago.

    Obi’s visit and meetings have generated reactions online, especially among supporters who described the engagements as important for strengthening regional ties and political dialogue across Africa.

    The former governor has remained active on international and governance-related discussions since the 2023 general elections.

  • Abdul Samad Rabiu Reveals How South Africa Denied Him Entry Over Expired Visa

    Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has recounted how he was denied entry into South Africa after discovering that his visa expired a day before arrival, while European travellers were reportedly allowed into the country without visas.

    Rabiu shared the experience on Thursday while speaking at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali.

    ‘I Was Turned Back to Lagos’

    According to the billionaire businessman, the incident happened in February 2025 when he travelled from Lagos to Cape Town for the Mining Indaba conference.

    Rabiu explained that he arrived in South Africa early in the morning and only discovered at the immigration desk that his visa had expired a day earlier.

    “I had a personal experience. Last year February, I was travelling to Cape Town for the mining Indaba. And as we landed. I left at night from Lagos to Cape Town. We arrived at 6 in the morning,” he said.

    “As we arrived, we went to the immigration. I tendered my passport, and the immigration officer looked at it and was like, where is your visa, and I said, ‘My visa is there’. Unknown to me, my visa had expired the day before.”

    He blamed the situation partly on his travel crew for failing to confirm the visa validity before departure.

    “Unfortunately, our crew did not check the visa to ensure the visa were valid. We were there for four hours, but at the end of the day, I had to turn back. I was turned back to Lagos,” he added.

    ‘Europeans Entered Freely’

    Rabiu, however, said what troubled him most was watching passengers from Europe enter South Africa freely without visas while he, an African travelling within Africa, was denied access.

    “But the issue is, while we were waiting to see whether we would be able to get access to the countries without the visas, there were like three international flights from Europe. All three flights were mostly Europeans,” he said.

    “I was standing there by the immigration desk, and every passenger on those three flights went into Cape Town without any visa.”

    The businessman stressed that he accepted responsibility for travelling with an expired visa but insisted that the broader issue reflects the difficulties Africans still face moving across the continent.

    “I do not have a problem with the fact that I was there without the visa and I was returned. I took full responsibility of that,” he stated.

    “I had an issue with being an African in Africa, being turned away because I do not have a visa and foreigners from other continents were coming in and were allowed to enter without a visa. This must change.”

    AfCFTA ‘Not Working as It Should’

    Rabiu also criticised the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area framework, saying many African countries still create barriers that frustrate regional business expansion.

    According to him, BUA Group encountered several administrative obstacles while trying to expand trade operations across African markets under the AfCFTA arrangement.

    “At BUA Group, as we expanded our regional investment, we actively sought to supply several African markets under the AfCFTA framework,” he said.

    “While some countries embraced the spirit of agreement, others were less supportive in practice, with administrative barriers, legacy import structures limiting our ability to participate fully in regional trade.”

    He added that the uneven implementation of the trade agreement continues to weaken Africa’s economic integration goals.

    “So really, AfCFTA is not working as it should. Because I had a personal experience in one of the countries that we tried to penetrate, we were actually frustrated,” Rabiu said.

    The businessman described AfCFTA as one of the world’s most ambitious economic integration projects, noting that its success depends largely on practical execution rather than policy promises alone.

  • Senate Tension Rises as Oshiomhole Targets MTN, DSTV Over SA Crisis

    Tension rose in the Senate on Tuesday as Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for economic sanctions against South African companies operating in Nigeria over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.

    His remarks came as lawmakers condemned the violence and urged urgent diplomatic action.

    Oshiomhole pushes for economic retaliation

    Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole invoked the principle of reciprocity, arguing that Nigeria must respond firmly.

    “I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears… If you hit me, I’ll hit you,” he said.

    He proposed the withdrawal of operating licences for MTN and DSTV, alleging that both companies repatriate significant revenue while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa.

    Call for licence revocation

    The senator urged the Federal Government to consider nationalising MTN and revoking its licence.

    He also called for similar action against DSTV, describing both firms as major economic actors with strong ties to South Africa.

    According to him, such steps would not only protect Nigerians but also create opportunities for local businesses.

    Lawmakers raise safety concerns

    Senator Victor Umeh also expressed concern over the safety of Nigerians abroad.

    He described reports from South Africa as alarming, noting that many Nigerians are unable to move freely due to fear of attacks.

    Umeh called on the African Union to intervene and consider sanctions against South Africa.

    Senate rejects proposal

    Despite the strong calls, the Senate declined to support the revocation of licences for MTN and DSTV.

    Lawmakers described the suggestion as uncalled for, even as they unanimously condemned the xenophobic attacks.

    They labelled the violence “barbaric, unlawful and inconsistent with African brotherhood.”

    Diplomatic pressure builds

    The development reflects growing pressure on the Federal Government to take decisive action in protecting Nigerians abroad.

    It also highlights the delicate balance between economic interests and diplomatic relations in responding to international crises.

  • FG Moves to Evacuate 130 Nigerians from South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

    The Federal Government has begun plans to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, with at least 130 citizens already registered for voluntary repatriation.

    The move comes amid rising concerns over violence targeting foreign nationals.

    FG raises alarm over attacks

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the evacuation plan is aimed at protecting Nigerians as tensions escalate.

    She noted that more citizens are expected to register in the coming days as fears grow over safety.

    The minister also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s concern, stating that Nigeria would not tolerate continued attacks on its citizens and their businesses.

    Nigeria summons South African envoy

    In response to the situation, the Federal Government has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said discussions would focus on recent anti-immigrant protests and reported cases of harassment, violence and destruction of Nigerian-owned businesses.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the need for justice, citing the killing of two Nigerians in separate incidents allegedly involving security personnel.

    Evacuation plan underway

    According to the minister, efforts are ongoing to compile a register of Nigerians in South Africa and arrange evacuation flights for those willing to return.

    She described the process as part of broader steps to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

    Wider regional concern

    Reports indicate that other African nationals have also been affected by the violence, including Ethiopian migrants.

    Despite condemnation of the attacks by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, anti-immigrant protests have continued in some areas.

    There have also been reports of individuals being stopped in public places and asked to present identification, while some foreign-owned businesses were forced to shut down during protests.

    The development has drawn reactions across the continent, with Ghana also raising concerns after a viral video showed one of its citizens being confronted over immigration status.

    South Africa is estimated to host about 2.4 million documented migrants, although the actual number is believed to be higher.

  • Malema Blasts Xenophobic Attacks, Questions Job Claims as Nigerians Targeted in South Africa

    Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has condemned rising xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, questioning the justification behind the violence.

    Malema challenges narrative on job losses

    Speaking amid growing tension, Malema criticised claims that immigrants are responsible for unemployment in South Africa.

    “You say Zimbabweans take your job, Nigerians take your jobs… after doing all this, how many jobs have you created,” he asked.

    He argued that attacks on foreign nationals have failed to produce any economic benefit.

    Destruction of businesses under fire

    Malema also condemned the destruction of immigrant-owned businesses, noting that such actions only worsen unemployment.

    “You close a shop that hires five people… after closing that shop, how many jobs have you created,” he said.

    He described those behind the attacks as lacking the capacity to address economic challenges constructively.

    Rejects politics built on division

    The EFF leader distanced himself from rhetoric that promotes hostility toward other Africans, insisting he would not seek support based on hate.

    “I don’t want votes that say to me, I must hate Africans for you to vote for me,” he stated.

    Nigerian government raises alarm

    The comments come as Nigerians in South Africa report renewed harassment, intimidation, and violence, with businesses looted and communities destabilised.

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) condemned the situation, describing it as worsening despite diplomatic efforts.

    “While many expected a de-escalation… the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” NIDCOM chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa said.

    Deaths and fear grip affected communities

    NIDCOM disclosed that children of Nigerian descent are increasingly afraid to attend school, while many business owners have shut down over safety concerns.

    The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg also confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, amid the unrest.

    The commission called for urgent intervention, including increased security in affected communities and an end to profiling of Nigerians.

     

  • NiDCOM Issues Fresh Warning as Anti-Foreigner Protests Escalate in South Africa

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has warned Nigerians living in South Africa to exercise caution following a surge in violent anti-foreigner protests across several cities, raising fresh concerns over safety.

    Violence spreads across major cities

    The advisory follows a communication from the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, which reported that protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent.

    According to the April 22 circular, the unrest has led to looting, destruction of property, and injuries, with fears that the situation could worsen.

    The consulate also warned that more protests are expected in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29.

    NiDCOM urges caution, avoidance of protest areas

    In response, NiDCOM advised Nigerians to avoid protest zones, steer clear of confrontations, and stay updated through credible local media.

    The commission stressed the need for Nigerians to remain law-abiding while the situation unfolds.

    Business owners told to shut down temporarily

    Nigerian business owners were specifically urged to close shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and possibly extend the shutdown until April 29.

    The warning follows concerns that foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during such protests.

    Diplomatic efforts underway

    NiDCOM reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the consulate remains operational and is working with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

    Meanwhile, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is reportedly engaging her South African counterpart in diplomatic talks aimed at resolving the situation.

    The commission reiterated its commitment to Nigerians in the diaspora, urging continued vigilance as developments unfold.

  • Malema Sentenced to 5 Years, Appeals Conviction Over Public Gun Firing Incident

     

    South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and discharging it in public, a ruling that immediately triggered an appeal from his legal team as he seeks to avoid jail.

    Court ruling and sentence

    The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Twanet Olivier at a court in East London, where Malema appeared in a dark suit and red tie, showing little emotion as the sentence was read out.

    He had earlier been convicted of five offences, including unlawful possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment, and discharging a weapon in a public space.

    The court’s decision marks one of the most serious legal setbacks yet for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, who has remained a dominant and controversial figure in South African politics.

    How the incident happened

    The case dates back to 2018 when a video went viral showing Malema firing several shots into the air with a semi-automatic rifle during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Eastern Cape province.

    Prosecutors argued the act was dangerous and reckless, especially as it took place in a crowded public event attended by supporters and party members.

    In his defence, Malema insisted the firearm did not belong to him and claimed he only discharged it to energise the crowd during the celebration.

    However, the court dismissed the explanation, with Magistrate Olivier ruling that the act was deliberate and not impulsive.

    Appeal and legal reaction

    Immediately after the judgment, Malema’s lawyer filed an appeal, a move aimed at stopping any immediate imprisonment while the case continues through higher courts.

    The EFF leader has consistently maintained that he will challenge the ruling to the highest judicial level, including South Africa’s Constitutional Court if necessary.

    Malema himself had earlier framed possible jail time as part of his political struggle, saying, “We cannot be scared of prison or to die for the revolution.”

    Public reaction and support

    Outside the courtroom, hundreds of supporters gathered in solidarity, chanting and singing revolutionary songs in support of the EFF leader.

    The atmosphere reflected Malema’s continued influence among his base, despite growing legal and political pressure around him.

    He remains one of South Africa’s most polarising political figures, known for his fiery rhetoric and strong grassroots following.


    Malema’s party supporters have been out in force to show their solidarity

    Political background and rise

    Malema first rose to national prominence as the leader of the African National Congress Youth League, before being expelled following a fallout with then-President Jacob Zuma.

    He later went on to form the Economic Freedom Fighters, a party built on radical economic transformation policies, including calls for land expropriation without compensation.

    The EFF has since grown into a major opposition force and became the fourth-largest party in South Africa’s 2024 general elections.

    Other legal challenges

    Beyond the firearm conviction, Malema has also faced other court rulings, including a hate speech conviction linked to remarks made at a 2022 rally.

    That case followed comments interpreted by the equality court as inciting harm, although the EFF argued the statements were taken out of context.

    What next

    With the appeal now in motion, Malema’s legal and political future remains uncertain, as the case is expected to move through South Africa’s higher courts in what could become a prolonged legal battle.