South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa to respect the country’s laws, customs, and traditions, as tensions linked to anti-immigrant sentiment resurface in parts of the country.
In a Freedom Day address broadcast on SABC News, Ramaphosa said foreigners who are legally resident must show the same level of respect they would expect in their home countries.
“If you are here legally, respect our laws, our conventions, and our traditions,” he said, adding that South Africa remains committed to human rights and global cooperation but will continue to enforce its immigration laws.
His comments come amid fresh reports of unrest in cities including Durban, Cape Town, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where protests have in some cases turned violent, with incidents of looting and attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Ramaphosa urged citizens to allow the law take its course when dealing with undocumented migrants, stressing that authorities already have measures in place to address the issue.
He also highlighted the importance of international law, describing it as a safeguard for nations regardless of size or influence, and called for mutual respect in global relations.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, sought to ease concerns, saying the situation has not escalated into a coordinated attack on Nigerians.
“Right now, Nigerians are not under siege. The situation is under control, and both governments are working together,” he said.
Ajayi described the incidents as isolated and urged Nigerians to remain cautious but not panic. He also dismissed viral videos showing harassment of foreigners as unrepresentative of the broader South African population.
Back home, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has issued safety advisories, urging Nigerians in South Africa to stay law-abiding, avoid confrontations, and keep track of local developments.
The commission warned that protests in some areas have turned violent and advised business owners to take precautionary steps. It also confirmed that the Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is working with local authorities to ensure citizens’ safety.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs engaging South African officials over the situation.
