Diplomatic Tension As South Africa Dismisses Compensation Request For Repatriated Nigerians

The South African government has rejected calls for compensation for Nigerians who left behind businesses and other property after being evacuated from the country following renewed xenophobic attacks.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, had earlier disclosed that the Nigerian government was documenting businesses and assets abandoned by returnees, with the aim of engaging South African authorities on possible compensation.

However, speaking at a press briefing on Friday, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said the government would not compensate affected Nigerians for properties left behind.

According to her, legally owned and registered properties remain protected under South African law and can be sold or otherwise disposed of through the country’s property market.

“There will be no compensation from the government. If individuals own property that is legally registered in South Africa, whether movable or immovable, they are free to dispose of it through the appropriate legal channels,” Ntshavheni said.

The minister argued that informal settlements do not qualify as legally recognised property because they are considered unlawful under South African law.

She noted that structures located in squatter camps or other informal settlements could not form the basis of compensation claims, as such developments are not legally recognised.

Ntshavheni also called on the Nigerian government to provide information on locations allegedly linked to drug-related activities involving Nigerian nationals.

“We would welcome information on any alleged drug dens operated by Nigerians so that law enforcement agencies can take appropriate action to eliminate illegal drug activities in South Africa,” she said.

She further disclosed that the South African government had approved new measures aimed at preventing demolished informal settlements from being rebuilt.

The comments come amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa following the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic violence.