The Nigerian Consulate, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, has offered a free repatriation flight to Nigerians willing to return home permanently as the unrest in South Africa continues to rise.
The situation was confirmed by the president of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, who acknowledged that the situation has forced many Nigerians to close their shops and suspend all business activities for the time being. He also revealed that there is a lack of structured systems to support affected Nigerians, but the intervention from the consulate is providing an option for those who wish to evacuate the country.
Onyekwelu further stated that many Nigerians have started showing interest in returning to Nigeria. He said, “The Nigerian Consulate, in conjunction with NICASA, has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians in South Africa have lamented that the recurring violence and unrest in the country has continued to threaten their safety, businesses and mental state. While narrating their ordeals, they revealed that they had to stay indoors and were living in constant fear of alleged targeted attacks on foreigners.
According to reports, violent anti-foreigner protests erupted in cities like Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in harassment, looting, property damage, and injuries, with two Nigerians confirmed dead in separate attacks linked to the anti-foreigner protests, as confirmed by the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg.
These incidents have triggered fear and panic among Nigerians living in the diaspora community, with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission issuing directives to Nigerian business owners to shut down business activities temporarily, to minimise risks and avoid losses.
It was gathered that the demonstrations are organised by groups accusing migrants of causing economic hardship and crime, with activists demanding the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, particularly those from African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Somalia.
Nigerian business owners in South Africa are also lamenting over their losses following attacks on foreign-owned shops. Some of the traders said the attacks had been largely directed at Nigerians and Ghanaians, with shops, supermarkets, and other business outlets singled out.
A restaurant operator in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Yemisi Adewale, recounted how she narrowly escaped an attack by protesters at a local market on Thursday.
“They (protesters) have been harassing and terrorising us. They are specifically targeting shops, supermarkets, malls, and other businesses owned by Nigerians and Ghanaians. Their aim is simply to loot and destroy our goods. The police are present, but their presence has not stopped the attackers. The protesters continue to loot and vandalise our shops right in front of them.
“I was almost attacked on Thursday at the town market while I was out to buy goods for my business. We all had to run for safety, leaving our goods behind. The attackers went on to loot and destroy shops and merchandise. This is not a genuine protest. They are using the rally as a cover to steal and destroy our businesses. Although the South African government appears to be making efforts to protect us, we cannot rely on that protection. For our safety, we have shut down our shops and business outlets.
“Once they see that your shop is open, they immediately attack, loot your goods, and assault anyone they identify as a foreigner,” Adewale said.
She also noted that the situation has negatively affected people’s means of livelihood, and added that many people could be forced out of business if the situation persists.
“This situation is taking a serious toll on us. Our businesses have been badly affected, and this is our only means of living. If this continues, many of us may be forced out of business. Nigerians here are law-abiding and have chosen to remain calm despite the harassment and provocation. We have avoided any confrontation.”
“So far, no Nigerian has been harmed, but a Ghanaian trader was severely beaten and injured. This led to intervention by Ghanaian authorities, who have since evacuated him back home for medical treatment,” she added.
Reacting to the situation, the commission’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed that the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, was already engaging with South African authorities and that Nigerians were awaiting the outcome of the ongoing discussions.
