The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Xenophobic

  • Living in South Africa: The good, the bad…

    Despite spates of xenophobic attacks, which sometimes put their lives and entire life earning in danger, Nigerians living in South Africa seem to be of a consensus that conditions of living there far outweigh what obtains in their home country. Gboyega Alaka reports.

    KNOWN as the Rainbow country, South Africa held lots of promises – not only for its nationals, but for the entire black Africa continent, which felt the plight of the people during the apartheid struggle, fought in their little ways and felt that they jointly owned its hard-earned freedom. Of note of course is Nigeria and Nigerians, whose government stood at the fore-front of the battle to free its fellow black nation from its white oppressors. It will be recalled that successive Nigerian governments threw sanctions against the regime, spending money, providing asylum to freedom fighters on the run, boycotting competitions and international meetings, all in a bid to cripple and stifle the apartheid regime and get its leading players to relinquish power.

    It was on the back of this that the whole continent celebrated when leading nationalist, Nelson Mandela, who had been in jail for 27 years, was released and the white minority apartheid regime eventually collapsed. Its organised system and buoyant economy naturally meant it became the biggest economy in Africa and pronto, it became a preferred destination for migrating African nationals. The grossly mismanaged economy back in Nigeria and a dwindling quality of  life also meant Nigerians formed a sizable chunk of the migrants.

    However, happenings in the past few years have left bitter taste in the mouth of Nigerians, who have especially become targets for rampaging South Africans, who pick on them for attacks, maiming, killing and destroying their hard-earned properties.

    This year alone, there have been reports of attacks. In January this year, the Nigerian community in Krugersdorp, near Jo’burg raised an alarm over a mob that attacked and destroyed four houses belonging to their members. Cyril James, a Nigerian community leader in the locality said the attacks began, when the mod alleged that a Nigerian abducted and raped a south African girl.

    That same month, Adetola Olubajo, president of the union said two Nigerians were killed in Rustenburg and Durban, and called on the South African government to engage at the highest level to prevent further loss of lives and property of our citizens.

    A News Agency of Nigeria report put the total death of Nigerians in South Africa in the last two years at 116, while following two other deaths of young Nigerians in February this year, the Daily Post of South Africa put the number at 118. However, while the attacks may have become a regular occurrence, more Nigerians continue to beseech the South African Embassy in Nigeria, desperately seeking visas; while those resident there hardly consider returning home. The questions therefore arise as to the reasons for the obsession. Many, back home, have especially wondered why anyone would want to go live or insist on staying put in a country where security of their lives and property are not guaranteed. Are the opportunities so much better? Or could the high points so over-ride the downsides?

    It’s a far better country

    Mrs. BosedeAdegboye, a widow has been in South Africa for 12 years, but despite all the challenges, including an attack that claimed the life of her husband, her response, when asked if she was considering leaving South Africa was an emphatic, ‘No’.

    “Even with this crisis, I don’t intend coming home, because the Nigerian economy is very harsh. Except for the attacks, life here is still better because things are better and well-organised.” She pointed out.

    Bosede’s husband relocated to Nothern Cape Town Province, South Africa in 2002, and she was only able to join him four years later with her three kids, due to paper issues. Not long after however, she said calamity struck. Exactly six months after arriving South Africa, she received an emergency call that her husband had been knocked down and killed on the spot by a South African.

    “I thought it was a dream, until I got to the scene of the accident and beheld my husband in a pool of his blood. I wept bitterly because this was another man’s country with nobody to call on except my husband, who unfortunately had just been killed.”

    She recalled that it was at the scene of the accident that she was warned not to even consider pressing charges. Even then, she made efforts to bring the killer to book, but she said “the case was discarded on the ground of accidental killing.”

    Bosede however insists that it was not in any way accidental, stating categorically that “Eye-witnesses at the scene of the accident told me the killer deliberately knocked my husband down, all because he is Nigerian. In a nutshell, that was how we forgot about it, but it was really sad.”

    But rather than consider returning to her home country, Bosede trudged on as a single mother. In the words of the fashion designer, “Life has not been easy. It has been tough and the discrimination is just too much. I hardly get contract from South Africans. Once they discover that you are Nigerian, they retrieve the contract from you, even if you are damn good.

    “As Nigerians living in South Africa, we live like cat and mouse with our hosts. We are pleasant to them only when they are pleasant to us, but the moment they are hostile, we withdraw into our shells because at any point, you could be their target and they can destroy you and your family members within minutes if care is not taken.”

    Recalling how she was almost lynched on one occasion, she said, “That fateful day, I was in my house because I work from home for safety reasons, when we heard that we (Nigerians) were under attack; I quickly ran to my children’s school, withdrew them and ran to safety. In the area I reside, we Nigerians have a signal to notify each other whenever there is crisis, so that we can quickly run to safety.”

    Worst of all, she said is the fact that “Even the children are not left out in the hostile display. You see young South Africans hitting young Nigerians with arrogance, in a manner that says nothing can happen. So I ensure that my children’s school is very close to where we reside, so I can quickly dash over and whisk them away to safety in case there is any emergency.”

    Blessing, a housewife and mother of two, who lives with her husband in Free State Province, East-Central region is also of the opinion that South Africa is a better place to live in, especially “in areas of infrastructure, food and other basic needs.” She however would not commit on whether Nigerians in the Rainbow country prosper more than those at home, saying, “It depends.”

    In terms of employment opportunities, she is of the opinion that there are better opportunities, even though it can be really difficult if one does not have work permit. “Once you’re documented and have a good job, you can afford the basics of life within a short time, because they can be purchased on credit and you can pay by instalments. “

    Regarding xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, she says she has never witnessed any in Free State where she and her family reside.

    “I have never really witnessed or heard of any in our state, except for the ones I watch on TV or read in the newspapers. But I’m aware that they break into foreigners shops. They normally claim that foreigners are making all the money at their expense.”

    It’s a more economical country

    John Chukwudi (not real name), a student at the University of Johannesburg, says he does not consider South Africa a dangerous place to live in despite the spate of attacks. For one, he says he stays in the university residence, which he says is not open to such attacks; he also says it depends on the area one is resident and at what time one hangs out.

    As a foreigner, Chukwudi says he tries as much as possible to understand his environment and ensure he is guided in the way he threads in places. “I ensure I don’t walk at night, and if anything warrants it, I use Taxify or Uber. Overall, I’ll say it is safe to stay here (SA). I have not been attacked, even though I have evaded some.”

    Speaking further, he says, “I think areas prone to such attacks are basically suburbs. However, there are lot of attacks here in SA which anyone can experience, irrespective of their nationality. This may be in the form of hijacking of vehicles, collecting laptops and several other things… That’s why here in SA, it’s not advisable to walk at night.”

    Asked whether some of the deliberate attacks on Nigerians may be due to jealousy or show-off, as some Nigerians back home have suggested, Chukwudi replied that this was a sensitive question. He however said, “If you study the South African history, you’ll discover they’ve been oppressed during the Apartheid era. They were really deprived of their rights, so now that they’ve been liberated and gained their independence, the feeling of the oppression lingers. It is for this reason that they feel somehow oppressed when a foreigner comes into their country and dominates. I think that could be partly responsible for the attacks. Also, I won’t say jealousy is the cause but the lifestyle of foreigners could be a form of oppression to them and provoke attacks.

    Regarding allegations that the police in South Africa do not protect foreigners enough, Chukwudi simply said, “So I’ve heard people say, but I haven’t had any such experience.”

    Chukwudi also concurs that it is economical to live in South Africa. He says feeding, basic commodities and transport aren’t expensive, except for accommodation, which he says “looks pretty expensive.” However, he insists that such person must earn basic salary in South African currency (Rand).

    He also said, “Job opportunities are numerous. However, there are conditions to be fulfilled before you can get a job here. That is the ‘critical skill visa’ also known as ‘work permit’. The issues of cars, apartment, education and health are no big deal when you get a good job here. Well, that is my observation.”

    Using himself as a typical example, Chukwudi said, “As a student, I live on the average of 4500 Rands a month, accommodation, transportation inclusive.”

    Like Chukwudi, Cynthia Adewale is a student, though of the University of Cape Town, stays in Western Cape and has only lived the Rainbow country for six months. She however insists that that is long enough to pass a verdict on the standard of living in the country. “I stay in Western Cape and living cost is high there. Nevertheless, I consider South Africa a way better place to live in, compared to Nigeria. I can confidently say that many of the world’s citizens are represented here at the University of Cape Town. While I may not be categorical as to whether Nigerians prosper more here compared to Nigeria, I can however say that SA is a more organised place. I also think South Africa is like a stepping stone to better destinations. For example, it is easier to move from SA to other places in the world.

    “And if you’re talking of pay packet, I’d say it depends on your line of study or critical skills. If you’re speaking in terms of foreign exchange, then my answer is ‘yes.’

    On the issue of attacks, Adewale admits that she is aware of it but has never experience any directly or remotely. “I think it happens in different ways, not just physical attacks or killing. From the much I know, I think it happens more in black populated areas.”

    Asked why she thinks South Africans perpetrate these attacks, Adewale gave an answer almost similar to Chukwudi’s. “History has it that the blacks in SA suffered a lot in the hands of the whites, so when foreigners, especially blacks, come to their country and excel above them, it’s like adding salt to injury. I think it is more than mere jealousy.”

    All said and done, she said, “From what I’ve heard, a foreigner may get a good job, depending on his qualification, but he will not be treated equally with a citizen.”

    Going by the aforementioned, she concluded that, “I don’t think Nigerians should live here permanently.”

    Wale Odunewu, who lives in Western Cape, also choruses the consensus that South Africa is a better place to live in than Nigeria. His reasons, he says include the fact that there are opportunities to take loans for basic amenities and the fact that the government supports education.

    “The government have good infrastructure in most places and takes care of its citizens through various welfare packages.

    Also, Odunewu says there has not been any case of xenophobic attacks anywhere near her province but rampant in places like Johannesburg and Pretoria and gives reasons for the attacks as crime, business opportunities and relationship issues.

    Overall, Odunewu is of the opinion that South Africa “is not really safe because of the proliferation of small and dangerous arms. People are attacked on a daily basis by gangs and thieves.”

  • Xenophobic ill-wind

    Last Wednesday, a coalition of Niger Delta militants reportedly threatened to blow up major South African companies in Nigeria if the federal government fails to shut them down within a month.

    The threat followed the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and their business premises in South Africa in recent weeks for alleged involvement in criminal activities.

    Before the militant groups issued the threat, the office of the telecommunication firm, MTN, was attacked and looted in Abuja by some protesters with calls by some other groups and individuals for reprisal attacks against South Africa.

    If the South African companies can be doing their businesses here peacefully in Nigeria without any attack from any quarters, the militants and protesters can’t understand while Nigerians in South Africa should be treated otherwise.

    While the anger over the indiscriminate attacks on Nigerians in South Africa as I noted in this column last week is understandable, there is need for caution on the issue to prevent it from degenerating into a messy diplomatic row and economic loss for investors who are obviously not in support of the initial attacks.

    It is bad enough that some persons in South Africa took the law into their hands by attacking Nigerians and their businesses for reasons known to them, but protesters in Nigerian should not make the same mistake by engaging in any reprisal attacks.

    Retaliation will definitely be an ill-wind that will not blow anyone any good.

    Nigeria and South African have come a long way that situations like this should not be allowed to cause unnecessary disagreement. As two major countries on the continent, we both have a lot to benefit from each other by having a cordial relationship in which our citizens should be free to live and do business in accordance with the immigration laws.

    In the spirit of African unity, there should be no basis for any attack either on Nigerians in South Africa, or South Africans in Nigeria.

    Thankfully, the attacks have subsided for now but everything necessary should be done to prevent a recurrence. Since no one has a monopoly of resorting to violence for whatever reasons, no side should do anything to jeopardise the two sides’ mutual interests.

    Blowing up South Africa businesses like MTN, MultiChoice, Shoprite and others in Nigeria will result in losses not only for South Africa, but Nigerians working in the companies and those benefiting from their being in the country.

    In the global economy, no country can afford to shut out investors and other nationals whose contribution to the growth of such country cannot be dismissed.

    While some Nigerians in South Africa may be guilty of some of the accusations against them, it is wrong for every other Nigerian to be regarded as criminals.

    There are many other Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa who are accomplished professionals and businessmen and women.

    The planned visit of Nigerian legislators to South Africa to investigate the xenophobic attacks is a good opportunity to amicably resolve the recurrent attacks once and for all.

    On both sides, there should be frank discussion on factors responsible for the attacks and necessary agreements reached to prevent a recurrence. Instigators of the attacks must not go unpunished to serve as a deterrence to others, while innocent victims should be compensated.

    Reprisal is not a solution in the case and it should never be since we are supposed to be African brothers and sisters.

     

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  • ‘Why Nigerians are endangered in South Africa’

    ‘Why Nigerians are endangered in South Africa’

    A security expert and Deputy Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, South Africa Chapter, Prince Debo Adesina , in this interview with Adeola Ogunlade spoke on the Xenophobic attack on Nigerians in South Africa and the way out of the crisis. He also spoke about efforts of PDP members in the Diaspora to rebuild the party.

    Can you tell me about yourself?
    I am a private security expert. I do a lot of investigation and am involved in security management. I train security guards. I also look at immigration from the safety point of view. I was the first Secretary General of the Nigeria Union in South Africa. I stay in South Africa because it has one of the best security management systems in the world.

    What are the opportunities that you saw in South Africa as a businessman?
    I left Nigeria as a security expert and I left to expand my horizon and scope in the area of security.

    I’m stationed in South Africa because they have one of the best security outfits in the world.

    They are very good. In fact, we call them Europe in Africa because I have been to different parts of the world. The first time I landed in South Africa, I was surprised as I thought I was in Europe.
    We, Nigerians in South Africa, we are like brain drain and we decided that whether our government likes it or not, they have to look at the Diaspora because we assist the needy and better our governance.

    In South Africa, where we live, we see rule of law, good governance and how the citizens of that country are being looked after and support systems, which are readily available to the less privileged.

    They take care of their citizens because the oath of office that they took is to look out for the welfare of their citizens.

    The opportunities in South Africa are very large and we only appeal to our politicians back home to try and emulate some of the things they see in South Africa. In the area of infrastructure, they are the biggest in Africa and they are competing favorably with the rest of the world.

    We can use them as a guide and some day we will get there?

    South Africa has its own challenges, are you saying that they have a better democratic structure than Nigeria?
    South Africa still operates a one party state due to the legacy of Nelson Mandela. The Africa National Congress (ANC) has been in power since Mandela took over from the whites. The party is very prominent at the National level. Other parties like Democratic Alliance (DA) are also part of the structure.

    Just recently, DA won as Mayor of the city of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Their politics is that they don’t kill themselves to get into public office but to serve their people.

    Ministers walk on the street without any convoy. The challenge in South Africa is that they still hold the mentality of the white monopoly by which they were brought up. Apartheid brought about a lot of setbacks and the country is trying hard to change.

    We can emulate some of their values but not all. In terms of governance, they are better than Nigeria.

    Nigerians have become endangered species in South Africa. How did things get to this point?
    As the former Secretary General of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, I have consistency tried and my media presentations have been reechoed. I am not only fighting for Nigerians but the foreign nationals on Xenophobic through the United Nation.

    We have a group called Protection working Group. It is sad that in parts of Nigeria, the people are giving the country a bad name because they go to any length to make money. We are now seen as drug dealers, and fraudsters. Some Nigerians have forgotten that back home, they have limitation of what they can do; abroad, they don’t care, they just want to make money, drive big cars, send money home to show that they live abroad. This created the hatred, as we are seen as gold diggers, people who have come to make money from their country and leave them home and dry.

    So along the line, some of our people are victims of police brutality. The South African police kill Nigerians at will because they know that the justice system in South Africa is very liberal around drug activities.

    They don’t have death penalty and capital punishment. Once you have money, and with good lawyer, drug dealers come out on bail and once they come out on bail, the cases remain in court forever. There are lots of cases pending for a long time in court. We have lots of Nigerians in prisons. We also have some of us who are doing well in South Africa but we are not well pronounced. We have doctors, lawyers, top notch business men and security experts, but the bad ones have overshadowed the good ones.

    When you mention that you are a Nigerian, they ask you whether you are not a drug dealer or fraudster. This has affected the image of Nigerians in South Africa. We are organizing a movement we want to tag Nigerians lives matter. We are starting it from South Africa and would spread it across the world, including Nigeria. Nigerians are also suffering back home and their lives matter. We want to give back to good governance. We are Nigerians and Nigeria as a country will outlive Nigerians, so Nigeria will remain Nigeria, but the people will live and die one day, and what is important to Nigerians is that our people will live a better life and enjoy the best Nigeria offers without any intimidation.

    Are the narratives from Nigerians giving room for xenophobic attack?
    No, not at all. The problem is that when Nigerians leave the international airport, they forget everything called moral value and their aim is to make money anyhow.
    Even in London, United Kingdom, in Thailand and other parts of the world where you see Nigerians, they turn to tigers and they are ready to do anything for money. I travel most times and the immigration officials search me thoroughly just because I’m carrying a Nigerian passport.

    But I am proud to be a Nigerian and I refuse to be a citizen of any country other than Nigeria. I am so loyal to my country. I believe that the only advantage of being a citizen of America or any other western country is good governance and movement. I believe that one day; the world will respect Nigerian citizens and passport.

    A lot of people have lost their lives because they want to cross the Mediterranean Sea. Some Nigerians are in Libya, but the government careless. Back home, there is contribution of bad governance. The recession is a global recession; the current government of APC fails to really identify what Nigerians need. Nigerians are hungry.

    As the Deputy Chairman PDP IN South Africa, are you satisfied with the way PDP is led back home?

    To be honest, we in the diaspora, we have decided to come and change the mentality back home about the party.

    Because  many people believe that politics is a do or die affairs, they are not ready to serve. They want to be seen as oga and not as servant, so the issue of leadership in Nigeria has no face of the political party.

    It is the Nigeria thing; arrogance, impunity, and lack of respect for the rule of law. There are lots of cases against the federal government, the way they maltreat the opposition party. No freedom of speech. Recently, Tuface was planning to do something but the threat from some quarters made him to reverse his earlier plan but for him to have set the pace for the protest is commendable. I don’t pray for revolution like the way we had in the Arab Spring. Military forces will not be able to stop the hungry crowd when there is revolution because the people are ready to die. Fela Kuti sang in his song that Nigerians are suffering and smiling. The leadership in Nigeria has nothing to do with political party be it PDP, APC, AFGA. The leaders have failed to identify the real problems in Nigeria.  It is good to fight corruption but what next. Let food be on the people’s table while fighting corruption

    PDP was there for 16 years and has been accused to have contributed to the failure of the system?

    The word PDP is like an acronym PDP, is a political party. Almost 80 percent of APC leaders were part of PDP. The truth is like someone who wore Babaringa in the morning and went to wear jeans in the evening for convenience and to be freer. There is nothing like APC.

    Senate President, Senator Saraki, Former President Oluesgun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were in PDP for years, they only joined the ruling party to unseat President Jonathan by all means because he is from the minority and is not dancing to the tune of some cabal. They took the power from him and the only way they could succeed was not by power or gun but by election.

    Since Buhari became president, he could not appoint his cabinet members for six months which showed that they were not prepared to lead the country. I congratulated the president when he won, I want democracy, it is not about party, I am a PDP member, but that does not mean that I hate Nigeria.

    In America, when there is an issue that concerns the people, they forget party politics. That is the way it supposed to be. Nobody should silence the other person because he is speaking against the president.

    I want to suggest to Nigerians that the idea of shadow cabinet should be in place. The shadow cabinet will be in place to challenge the ministers in power so they can see better options and alternatives for good governance.

    How best can PDP reposition itself?
    PDP’s strength is outside Nigeria. It is high time PDP mobilize and strategically include its members in the diaspora. It will add a lot of impetus to the party’s chances in the next election.

    It is sad that when PDP was in power, its members in diaspora were not given due recognition. My recent visit to Professor Jerry Gana was for PDP to be giving its members in diaspora an opportunity to part in the rebuilding process of the party.

    Let us come and help. They call us brain drain, but we are ready to come back with the brain instead of draining its abroad. We have lots of first class brain, and professionals who can make things happen in Nigeria. I am one of them.

    How strong is the PDP Diaspora?
    Nigerians in diaspora are very strong. We have been contributing to the PDP powerfully. At least every member of the diaspora has one family or other and they are paying bills which in way are contributing immensely to Nigeria’s GDP.

    But in the area of politics, PDP members in some countries are strong because they were stooge used in the hands of the power brokers, but for us in south Africa, we have remained stronger even after we lost the presidential election. We decided that this is a political party, not Jonathan. It is a registered party, we will not divorce our party, and we will remain in the party. We are not prostitutes. We will be there until PDP bounce back and take its rightful place in Nigeria.

    If the country decides to assist us by giving us the political power, we are ready to support them. My concern is that how can Nigerians in diaspora vote. I want to appeal that the PVC be extended to Nigerians in diaspora just like they did with BVN.  When Nigerians in diaspora are compelled to register, the Nigeria passport will be used as an identity card to vote.

    What are your plans for PDP back home?
    We want to help our people. They are angry. Our plan is not just about politics, though PDP is our platform and we want to use it to correct some things, especially some of the things that our party has done which was wrong. We believe that when you fall, it does not matter because we are loser today, but we will not remain a loser. We believe we will win again. The current President was a loser for three times. There is no shaking, we will come back strong.

    Frequent medical trip of President Buhari abroad?

    We are praying for the President. I am praying hard for good health. I want him to be strong and powerful and handover the way Jonathan handed over to him. He will hand over healthy and sound so that he can rest in his village in Daura. Let us pray for him to be strong and be in power till 2019 and hand over to people that can rule.

    We, in the diaspora, we don’t believe in politicians back home, as it is all about vendetta. Dasuki is an example. We want him back safe and healthy. It will be bad omen for the Northerners. No one should wish him dead. Anything that happens in Nigeria is endorsed by God. We pray God will give him good health. We don’t want continuity of slow motion.

     

  • Xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in S/Africa trend on Google

    The xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa is one of the mostly searched items  on Google this week, the company announced on Thursday.

    Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Anglophone West Africa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the search was from Feb. 23 to March 1.

    “Relationship between Nigeria and South Africa became slightly strained this week, when allegations of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa ruled the internet,’’ he said.

    The Google manager said that people’s attention was also caught online by the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against Nigeria’s naira.

    “The dollar, after moving up like a rocket going to space, lost speed this week as the Nigerian naira strengthened to N425 per dollar at the parallel market.

    “This is being hailed as a relief after remaining at N500 per dollar rate in the last few months.

    “Reports are saying this development is a result of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent modification to the forex policy,’’ Kola-Ogunlade said.

    He added that release of the video of the song of the late talented singer, Eric Ayobami, also trended on Google.

    “Although the death of talented singer has continued to shock his friends and fans, the long-awaited video of his song, The Sound, was released during the week,’’ he said.

    The spokesperson said that the released video was for television broadcast and video-sharing websites such as YouTube.

    According to Kola-Ogunlade, the news of the death of Neil Fingleton, the Games of Throne actor, who died at the age of 36, also trended.

    He noted that the seven-foot-seven-inch British actor played the giant Mag-the-Mighty in the popular American fantasy drama television series, “Games of Throne’’.

    “The actor, a former basketball player, was recognised in 2007 by the Guinness World Record as the tallest man in the U.K.,’’ Kola-Ogunlade said.

    He said that people also searched much about the start of the Lenten season.

    “Ash Wednesday which usually welcomes lent took place this week.

    “It kicked off 40 days of intense reflections through prayers and fasting observed by many Christians across the world.

    “Catholics are known to go to church to be blessed with ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross to signify repentance and mortality.’’

    Kola-Ogunlade said that other stories that trended on Google included results on the La Liga Table and European League Draw, and the confession of American top actress, Viola Davis, about her struggle with impostor syndrome.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Google Trends, launched in May 2006, allows one to see how popular search terms and their demography have been overtime on Google.

  • Xenophobic attacks: No Nigerian killed in South Africa, says Minister

    Xenophobic attacks: No Nigerian killed in South Africa, says Minister

    Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Khadijah Abba Ibrahim, has told the Senate that no Nigerian lost his life in the renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
     
    The minister who appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to explain what the government is doing to protect Nigerians in South Africa, noted that based on official information from Nigeria High Commission in South Africa, no Nigerian lost his or her life.
     
     She also said that nobody was convicted for the previous attacks and no compensation was paid by the South African government.
     
    The minister said that they were informed that the South African President, Jacob Zuma, had condemned the attacks.
     
    Chairman of the committee, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, told the minister that Nigerians were interested to hear what the government is doing to protect them in South Africa.
     
    Sunmonu said, “I will say that while we appreciate your coming and as we have to speak on behalf of Nigerians, what we discussed today is not what Nigerians are expecting from Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nigerians will want to hear from the ministry that we have been to South Africa not to have invited the High Commission here to come and tell stories.
     
    “We want to hear from the ministry that the Acting High Commissioner has actually invited Nigerians to talk to them to give them solace because tomorrow, nobody knows what is going to happen again.
     
    “We are only telling them (Nigerians), to please hide to give a low profile. That means we have told them not to engage in their businesses again that they should be in hiding which is not good for Nigerians.
     
    “We know the efforts of Nigerians in South Africa. We have been talking to you based on report of the Senate Committee with the Foreign Affairs Ministry in April, 2015. Two years ago we have this booklet and we have gone through all the findings and all the recommendations but unfortunately you have not met even one single thing out of it.
     
    “How would we now believe what you have come here to tell us when you have actually stated in 2015 in April that you will be having a meeting with the commission in May, 2015 where you wrote that 84 million compensation would be paid and this is two years after. 
     
    “So, does that mean that if we have not invited you this would have been another story. Have you been able to invite Nigerians that lost their properties in 2015 to tell them that we are negotiating something for you. No, you haven’t.
     
    “To the committee we are not happy, we are highly disappointed and what we would expect is that your delegations, we have the mandate of the two Houses for us to go to South Africa. We  will all go together see them and look at the memoranda of understanding or bilateral of what you are signing.
     
    “It has to be give and take. If it is necessary Nigeria will not hesitate to put sanctions on South Africa in this country.
     
    “We would be able to force them to do the right thing with Nigerians outside otherwise we have to do back to them here in this country, its tit for tat and we would not hesitate to put our feet down to be able to tell them and say enough is enough,” Sumonu stated.
  • APC seeks end to xenophobic attacks on Nigerians

    APC seeks end to xenophobic attacks on Nigerians

    •Party advises govt to demand compensation

    The All Progressives Congress, South Africa Chapter (APC-SA), has condemned alleged xenophobic attack on Nigerians in Pretoria West.

    It urged the Federal Government to demand an apology from South African authorities and seek compensation for victims. In a February 19 letter to the Secretary General of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), the party said the attacks were predicated on the notion that Nigerians and certain other nationals were criminals, drug dealers, human traffickers and prostitution barons, and had denied South Africans opportunities in their country.

    The letter, signed by Chairman Bola Babarinde, and Secretary Prof. Oludayo Fasina, said: “While we believe South Africans have the right to protect their society, the APC-SA condemns taking such decision on wrong premises and fallacies perpetuated by lack of information.

    “We believe in the rule of law and expect that criminal elements observed and picked from the society be handed over to the law enforcement agents, who have been mandated to ensure that justice is carried out without fair or favour.

    “Jungle justice, as perpetuated by some criminal elements within South Africa in the case above, is prone to abuse, vendetta, settling of scores and miscarriage of justice and will surely draw any country into more violence.”

    According to APC-SA, not all Nigerians are criminals, and the South African universities, hospitals, workplaces and government offices were replete with good Nigerians doing honest work.

    It said the myopia of labeling all people of a country by such label of criminality showed how uninformed a society is and should be condemned by all well-meaning South Africans.

    APC-SA urged the Federal Government to demand an apology from the South African authority and find a way to document and get adequate compensations for victims.

  • No to xenophobic attacks

    The on-going xenophobic attack on Nigerians in South Africa is very worrisome.

    This is not the first time that Nigerians and other nationals resident in the country will be victims of unprovoked attacks. In 2015, many innocent Nigerians and other foreigners had their hard-earned properties looted and destroyed, while some lost their lives.

    Like in 2015, the renewed attacks started in some communities accusing the affected Nigerians of being illegal immigrants and responsible for rise in crime. Gradually, the attacks are spreading across South Africa and anti-immigrants rallies are being held despite appeals by the Zuma-led government to stem the tide of unjustified hate campaign against foreigners.

    While any or group of South Africans have the right to be aggrieved about the influx of illegal immigrants into their country, thereby causing high crime rates in their communities, if the accusations are really true, it is unjustifiable for them to take the laws into their hands to redress the situation. South Africa which prides itself as one of the giants of the continent is supposed to be a law-abiding country where the rights and privileges of not only indigenes but foreigners should be guaranteed.

    Even for those who violate the laws of the country, they should be subjected to the rule of the law instead of some persons resorting to jungle justice like some South Africans have been doing against Nigerians and other foreigners.

    Like in any country, there are rules and regulations governing entry and stay. Since it is not illegal for Nigerians to live in South Africa, it is wrong for any group of persons to think their (Nigerians’) presence is responsible for whatever problem the country or community is encountering.

    While some Nigerians living in South Africa may be guilty of whatever they have been accused of, the current incident like others cases of assaults on Nigerians is largely a case of giving a dog a bad name to hang it. Crime rates have always been high in South Africa and it will be wrong for South Africans to create the impression that their country will be a better place without foreigners.

    Nigerians and other foreigners, a majority of who are legal residents, have contributed their own quota to the growth South Africa has witnessed before and after the apartheid regime, which it still continues to do in many sectors.

    Just as many Nigerians have made South Africa their abode in pursuit of their various endeavours, South Africans are in Nigeria and in other countries operating various businesses. What the anti-migrant campaigners don’t seem to understand is that they do not have a monopoly of violence.

    South Africans in Nigeria can become victims of angry protests of unjust treatment for foreigners in South Africa.  This kind of ugly situation playing out in Pretoria and in some parts of South Africa is definitely an ill-wind and is not in the best interest of the continent.

    If the pattern of attacks in which shops are looted and properties maliciously destroyed is anything to go by, it is apparent that some criminals are taking advantage of the situation to attack Nigerians for personal reasons best known to them.

    The Nigerian and South African governments must urgently take necessary measures to resolve the crisis once and for all.

  • Zuma condemns violence against foreigners

    Zuma condemns violence against foreigners

    South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has condemned acts of violence between citizens and non-nationals, his office said on Friday.

    Anti-immigrant violence has flared sporadically in South Africa against a background of near-record unemployment, with foreigners being accused of taking jobs from citizens and getting involved in crime.

    Citizens in Pretoria are set to march against foreigners on Friday and domestic media are reporting vandalism and acts of violence in the Atteridgeville area west of the capital.

    At least 20 stores in Pretoria owned by foreigners were looted on Tuesday, but police could not confirm that the attacks had deliberately targeted foreigners.

    “Many citizens of other countries living in South Africa are law abiding and contribute to the economy of the country positively.

    “It is wrong to brandish all non-nationals as drug dealers or human traffickers.

    “The threats and counter-threats on social media must stop,” Zuma said in a statement.

    NAN reports that the Federal Government on Thursday urged the South African government to put in place measures to end the incessant xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in that country.

    Minister of State Foreign Affairs Khadija Abba-Ibrahim, gave the task in Abuja during a second summon to the High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Mr Lulu Aaron-Mnguni, on the issue.

    NAN recalls that the Ministry had on Monday, summoned the South Africa High Commissioner over the matter.

    NAN also reports that Nigerian buildings, properties and places of worship worth millions of dollars were destroyed by South Africans on Feb. 5 and 18.

    “The Federal Government strongly urges the South African government to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and foreigners living and working in South Africa.

    “Furthermore, the federal government urges the South African Government to bring perpetrators of these deplorable acts of violence to justice.

    “The ministry continues to urge Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law abiding, and be vigilant at the same time.’’

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria will strenuously work towards the protection of Nigerians everywhere, including in South Africa,” she added.

    However, the minister said that no Nigerian lost their lives in the attacks contrary to reports in some media.

    According to her, the reports that mentioned the killing of Nigerians in the xenophobic attacks are unsubstantiated.

    “The ministry has not received the report of any death of Nigerian in the latest incidents of attacks against foreigners.

    “The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria is in constant touch with the Nigerian Union in South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa, as well as the South African police.

    “All these agencies have confirmed that no Nigerian life was lost in the recent incident,” she said.

     

  • Xenophobic attacks: Indigenes warn S/Africa

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) indigenes have threatened to close down South African businesses operating in the nation’s capital as a reprisal for the Xenophobic attacks in that country.

    The group has given the South African Government 48 hours to apologise to Nigerians and other nationals of African countries for the wanton killings during the xenophobic attack.

    The group also demanded that concrete steps be taken by the South African authority to tackle the menace.

    The threat was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the FCT Residents Association meeting in collaboration with some traditional rulers in the territory, which was jointly signed by the Secretary-General of the Forum, Comrade Yunusa Yusuf and the Eze Igbo of Abuja, His Royal Highness (HRH) Ibe Nwosu and made available to reporters.

    The natives stressed that Africans must integrate as a continent to battle the xenophobic attack in South Africa. They said: “We pledge to remain our brother’s keeper irrespective of nations, tribes and tongues and we will continue to act as such within the limit of our laws and international conventions.

    “That there have been relentless attempts by the South African Government to undermine peace in the continent and replace it with a different ideology based on xenophobia. We are confident that the Federal Government of Nigeria will handle the situation in South Africa at the international level.

    “That we the host community of multi-nationals including South Africa business community, are not happy with the onslaught in South Africa on flimsy and baseless guise of xenophobia.

    “That, having studied the situation in South Africa vis-a-vis the trauma our brothers are subjected to in the past weeks, we have resolved to give the South African Authority Forty Eight (48) hour’s ultimatum to apologise to Nigerians and other nationals of other African countries for the wanton killings and destruction of property of other nationals resident in South Africa.

    “That failure to come up with permanent solution within the stipulated 48 hours ultimatum, drastic measures, including attacks on the business interests of South Africa in the Federal Capital Territory will be ruthlessly carried out as a reprisal to the ongoing xenophobia attacks.

    “That the business interests of South Africa operating in the Federal Capital Territory listed for attack include but not limited to Shoprite, DSTV, Barcelos, Pick ‘n’ Pay, Spar, Steer, MTN, Debonairs, Hungry Lion and Mr. Price, among others”

    The group regretted that despite that South Africa businesses operating in the FCT have continued to marginalise Abuja natives in area of employment, Abuja natives have allowed them to operate without intimidation from any quarters, stressing that the South African Government should forthwith demonstrate the spirit of brotherhood towards other nationals resident in South Africa or face the consequences.will be ruthlessly carried out as a reprisal to the ongoing xenophobia attacks

  • Enough of this xenophobic nonsense

    SIR: The South African government is a disgrace to the entire black race and it’s time for countries to start considering their relationship with the Jacob Zuma-led administration. One will have thought that a responsible government would have done everything within its power to stop this xenophobic nonsense targeted  against fellow Africans. The big question is why the government has not been able to stop the attacks.

    The world knows how all Africans stood strongly behind the freedom and liberation of South Africa. Our brothers and sisters living in South Africa are now in constant fear as they witness the killings of their fellow blacks and family members without protection from the government. South Africans have betrayed African brotherhood and sure will one day pay dearly for this inhuman and barbaric action of some few bad individuals. Every reason behind the attacks were unjustified and unwarranted knowing very well that black South Africans received enormous support from many countries in Africa during the struggle against apartheid.

    “Your struggle was our struggle and your victory was our victory. South Africa’s enemies were Africa’s enemies and your freedom was Africa’s freedom.” There was a sense of brotherhood that allowed the battle against the apartheid to be carried on the shoulders of the entire black race and this binding bond has been destroyed right away. Nigerians and Africans in general sacrificed numerous resources to support the South African freedom fight and would not allow a situation where the South African government was failing to protect foreigners.

    What will happen if there is retaliation in other countries against South African nationals living in the Diaspora? God forbid and where will Africa end up? South Africans are been too quick to forget the sacrifice made by many countries that rallied behind them and now we are being repaid with xenophobic murders.

    I see a very terrible future for South Africans on the continent as the country has merely succeeded to isolate itself.

     

    • Comrade Ahmed Omeiza Lukman

    Kiev, Ukraine