…strongly condemned the xenophobic attacks, describing them as “self-hatred” and a betrayal of African unity.
SOUTH AFRICA- The iNews Times| A fresh wave of xenophobic attack in South Africa has left many Nigerians counting heavy losses, with mobs targeting foreign-owned shops, destroying property, and attacking African immigrants.
The latest unrest, which began on Monday, has forced several Nigerians into hiding, while others reportedly lost goods worth millions of naira. The attacks have reignited fears within the Nigerian community, recalling similar incidents in 2015 and 2019 when many were assaulted, businesses were burnt, and emergency evacuations were carried out by the Nigerian government.
Despite repeated assurances from South African authorities after previous xenophobic attacks, the recurrence of violence has raised concerns about lasting solutions.
Reacting to the crisis, Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), strongly condemned the xenophobic attacks, describing them as “self-hatred” and a betrayal of African unity.
He urged South Africans to end the violence and embrace Pan-African solidarity, arguing that such hostility is rooted in colonial influence.
“We are ashamed to see black people attacking other Africans,” Malema said, stressing that the attacks are wrongly directed at fellow Africans rather than other foreign nationals.
He maintained that targeting small-scale immigrant traders would not solve the country’s economic challenges, advocating instead for a “One Africa” approach that promotes unity and dismantles colonial divisions.
Meanwhile, Nigerian community leaders in South Africa have called for urgent intervention from the Nigerian government, while appealing to South African authorities to safeguard lives and property.
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) said it has recorded new cases of harassment and looting, with many families now living in fear.
“Our people are not criminals; they are contributing to the economy,” a NUSA official said.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has also issued a safety advisory, urging Nigerians to remain cautious and comply with directives from the Consulate General in Johannesburg.
According to the commission, unrest has been reported in cities including East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal, involving looting, property damage, and injuries.
NiDCOM advised Nigerians to avoid confrontations, stay away from protest areas, monitor local developments, and remain law-abiding. Business owners were also urged to consider temporary closure, particularly around Freedom Day, when foreign-owned businesses are often targeted.
The commission added that the Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is working closely with South African security agencies to ensure the safety of citizens.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Onoh, is reportedly engaging her South African counterpart in efforts to address the situation.
As tensions continue to rise, many Nigerians at home and abroad are questioning how long the cycle of xenophobic attack will persist without a lasting resolution.
