Amid escalating unrest in South Africa, the Nigerian Consulate, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has announced a free repatriation flight for Nigerians willing to return home permanently. NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, told Saturday PUNCH that the worsening situation had compelled many Nigerians to shut down their businesses, noting that there is no structured support system currently in place for affected citizens.
He explained that the consulate’s intervention offers a lifeline to those seeking to leave, adding that interest in the repatriation programme is already growing. “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,” he said.
Nigerians residing in South Africa described their experiences as harrowing, lamenting that recurring violence continues to threaten their safety, livelihoods, and mental well-being, forcing many to remain indoors in fear.
Violent anti-foreigner protests have erupted across major cities, including Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, leading to harassment, looting, destruction of property, and injuries. The unrest has heightened anxiety within the diaspora community, prompting the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to advise business owners to temporarily shut down operations.
The protests are reportedly driven by anti-immigration groups and movements such as Operation Dudula, which accuse migrants of contributing to unemployment and crime, and have called for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, particularly from African countries.
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg confirmed that two Nigerians — Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew — died in separate incidents. Emmanuel reportedly died after being beaten by South African National Defence Force personnel, while Andrew’s body was later found at a mortuary after an encounter with metro police.
Viral videos circulating online show protesters armed with sticks chanting anti-foreigner slogans and confronting migrants. In one instance, a Nigerian trader was told to leave the country with his family despite explaining his long stay and means of livelihood. “I didn’t come to South Africa today. I have been here for a long time. The only thing is what I’m doing to feed my children,” he said. Protesters, however, insisted, “From now on, we don’t want foreigners in this town. We are fixing our South Africa now.”
Business owners reported heavy losses as shops owned by Nigerians and Ghanaians were looted and vandalised. A restaurant operator in Johannesburg, Yemisi Adewale, said, “They have been harassing and terrorising us… Their aim is simply to loot and destroy our goods,” adding that even police presence has failed to deter the attacks.
Diaspora leaders noted that informal traders in settlement areas are the most affected. Ohanaeze Ndigbo President in South Africa, ABC Okokoh, said the unrest is concentrated in specific locations and should not yet be classified as a full-scale xenophobic crackdown, while also warning that political interests may be fueling tensions. Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities confirmed that diplomatic engagements are ongoing, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs liaising with South African officials as Nigerians await further updates.
