The South African government has ruled out paying compensation to Nigerians who left properties behind after fleeing the country during waves of xenophobic violence.
Speaking at a media briefing, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said the government would not compensate anyone for abandoned assets, insisting that only legally registered properties are recognised under the country’s laws.
Her comments followed remarks by Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, who disclosed that the Nigerian government was exploring ways to seek compensation for citizens whose homes, businesses and other valuables were abandoned after they were evacuated.
Ntshavheni dismissed the proposal, explaining that properties located in informal settlements are illegal and cannot qualify for compensation.
She advised Nigerians with legally acquired properties to dispose of them through South Africa’s property market rather than expect reimbursement from the government.
“People with legitimate properties should sell them in the property market,” she said, stressing that Pretoria would not take responsibility for abandoned assets.
The minister also repeated South Africa’s request for Nigeria to provide information on locations allegedly being used as drug dens by some Nigerian nationals, saying such intelligence would help authorities tackle organised crime.
Her remarks drew criticism from former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, who expressed concern over the tone of the statement.
“This is from a senior government official and not a thug from the streets,” Sani wrote on social media.
Ntshavheni stood by her comments, responding: “I didn’t stutter. Any form of property obtained illegally won’t be compensated for.”
The exchange adds to ongoing diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa following repeated xenophobic attacks that targeted foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
The violence forced the Nigerian government to evacuate hundreds of its citizens under a voluntary return programme after homes, businesses and other properties were looted or destroyed in several South African cities.
While South Africa later promised to improve security and prosecute those responsible for the attacks, both countries continue to engage through diplomatic channels to address recurring concerns over migration, crime and the safety of foreign nationals.
