THERE is no xenophobia in South Africa, but grievances, the country’s Consul-General, South Africa High Commission in Nigeria, Darkey Africa, has claimed.
Darkey, while speaking at the South Africa-Nigeria Relations’ Ambassadorial Meeting organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, said Africans cannot be xenophobic against one another.
He said: “There is no xenophobia in South Africa because Africans cannot be xenophobic against one another. The issues are just grievances. None of South Africa’s policies is xenophobic.
“I think it all boils down to how the two countries communicate to their populace.
“The communication should be well-broadened across all sectors as it is important to identify issues, address them and make sure they are well conceptualised.”
Director-General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Prof. Eghosa Osaghae said Nigeria enjoys very solid relationship with South Africa before, during and after apartheid.
Eghosae, who was represented by an international affairs analyst, Femi Otubanjo, said the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa has not changed.