Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned growing xenophobic hostility towards Nigerians and other African nationals, warning that the attacks undermine the spirit of solidarity that helped end apartheid.
Fani-Kayode recalled Nigeria’s estimated $61 billion contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle, stressing that the country’s freedom was achieved through the collective efforts of African nations and international supporters.
Speaking at the inaugural Nigerian Fair held at the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, he urged South Africans to embrace Pan-Africanism, mutual respect and cooperation rather than hostility towards fellow Africans.
“It wasn’t a black South African struggle. It was a struggle that every nation in Africa, led primarily by the frontline states and Nigeria, and every decent civilised nation in the world supported,” he said.
The envoy highlighted Nigeria’s financial, diplomatic and material contributions to the anti-apartheid campaign, recalling how civil servants, students and schoolchildren participated in fundraising efforts.
He cited the establishment of the Southern Africa Relief Fund, popularly known as the Mandela Tax, through which Nigerian civil servants surrendered portions of their salaries to support the African National Congress (ANC) and other anti-apartheid activities. Schoolchildren also donated their lunch money towards the struggle.
He added that Nigeria consistently championed South Africa’s liberation at the United Nations and other international platforms.
Describing attacks against African migrants as a setback for the continent, Fani-Kayode said such hostility contradicted the principles that guided Africa’s liberation movements.
“We must understand that the world is coming together as one, and we must stand together as one,” he said.
He urged South Africans to recognise the contributions and interests of other African countries in their nation’s development, attributing the attacks to a minority driven by Afrophobia and xenophobic sentiments.
Fani-Kayode also called for stronger relations between African countries, warning that disagreements and provocations should not destroy longstanding bonds of friendship.
He appealed to Nigerians not to retaliate against hostility, stressing that leaders must exercise restraint even when their citizens are offended, intimidated or killed.
However, he acknowledged growing frustration within the Nigerian government over the treatment of its citizens, warning that patience was wearing thin in the corridors of power.
Despite the tensions and calls by some Nigerians for a complete breakdown in relations, the envoy ruled out severing economic ties with South Africa, insisting that both countries must continue to pursue cooperation.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its leadership role in Africa and the promotion of continental unity, assuring Nigerians living in South Africa that the government would do everything possible to protect their safety and well-being.
