The South African government has officially rejected Nigeria’s request for compensation regarding businesses and properties abandoned by Nigerian citizens who fled recent xenophobic attacks.
Nigeria had previously indicated it was compiling records of homes, businesses, and other properties left behind by affected citizens to serve as a basis for compensation negotiations.
Earlier this week, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, confirmed that the Federal Government had begun documenting these losses to facilitate discussions with South African authorities on behalf of victims who felt forced to abandon their livelihoods for safety.
However, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, dismissed the proposal during a press briefing on Friday, asserting that the government would not provide compensation for abandoned properties.
According to Ntshavheni, properties that are legally owned and officially registered can be sold through the local property market.
She contended that structures located in informal settlements are illegal and, therefore, not eligible for compensation.
“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 emphasized that squatter camps and informal settlements do not qualify as legally recognized property under South African law.
“Squatter camps and informal settlements are never properties because they are illegal in the country. So you are already violating our law if you are going to tell us about a shack in some informal settlement,” she said.
Reiterating the administration’s stance, Ntshavheni stated, “So there’s no compensation that will come from government. Those who leave their properties, if they are properly legally registered in the country, they can dispose of the properties in the property market in South Africa, whether it’s movable or immovable property. And we are going to seriously appreciate being told where the drug dens are,” she said.
Additionally, the minister announced that the South African government has approved further measures to prevent the re-establishment of informal settlements following demolitions.
This development occurs amidst a surge in xenophobic violence targeting African migrants, which has led many Nigerians to flee the country out of fear.
These recurring attacks have historically strained diplomatic relations between Abuja and Pretoria, as Nigerian-owned businesses are frequently targeted during such incidents.
The Nigerian government continues to urge South African authorities to guarantee the safety of its citizens and protect their investments.
