The Federal Government has strongly criticised comments made by Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, describing her remarks about Nigerians and alleged drug dens as inflammatory and capable of fuelling xenophobic attacks.
The diplomatic row followed Ntshavheni’s remarks during a press briefing on Friday, where she dismissed calls for compensation for Nigerians who reportedly lost property during recent anti-migrant violence in South Africa.
Instead, the minister challenged Nigeria to identify the locations of alleged drug dens operated by Nigerians, saying South African authorities would “clean” them up.
“We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are, so they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently,” Ntshavheni said.
She also argued that informal settlements occupied by undocumented migrants could not qualify for compensation because they were illegal under South African law. After former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani criticised her remarks, Ntshavheni defended her position, stating, “I didn’t stutter.”
Responding on Sunday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the comments as “unguarded, unacceptable and strongly condemned.”
In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal Government said sweeping statements by senior public officials risk encouraging hostility and violence against innocent Nigerians living in South Africa.
“Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community,” the statement said.
The ministry also warned that leaders of anti-migrant groups, including March on March and Operation Dudula, could be held accountable under regional and international law for allegedly inciting violence against fellow Africans.
The latest diplomatic exchange comes amid renewed anti-migrant unrest in South Africa. Just before a June 30 deadline issued by rights groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country, two Nigerians were reportedly killed. Official figures indicate that at least four Nigerians have lost their lives since the violence began in April, although some returnees have claimed the actual death toll may be higher.
Nigeria has called on South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings, prosecute those responsible and fulfil their obligation to protect the lives and property of Nigerian citizens residing legally in the country.
The Federal Government also noted that South African nationals and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria without harassment, urging Pretoria to uphold the same standard of protection for Nigerians. It warned that further diplomatic action could be considered if attacks on Nigerians continue.
