The South African government has rejected Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens who fled the country following renewed xenophobic attacks, insisting it will not pay for businesses or properties abandoned by foreign nationals.
Nigeria had recently disclosed that it was compiling records of businesses and properties left behind by affected citizens as part of efforts to seek compensation from South African authorities.
Earlier this week, the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, said the Federal Government had begun documenting losses suffered by Nigerians who returned home after the attacks to support discussions on possible compensation.
Responding during a press briefing on Friday, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, dismissed the proposal, maintaining that the government had no obligation to compensate those who left the country.
According to Ntshavheni, legally owned properties are registered with the appropriate authorities and can be sold through South Africa’s property market, while structures located in informal settlements are considered illegal and do not qualify as recognised property.
She also made allegations linking some Nigerians to illegal drug activities, saying authorities would welcome information on the locations of any such operations for law enforcement purposes.
Ntshavheni further stated that shacks in informal settlements could not be regarded as legitimate property because such settlements violate South African law.
She reiterated that owners of legally registered movable and immovable properties remain free to dispose of their assets through the country’s property market, stressing that the government would not provide compensation for abandoned property.
The minister also announced that the South African government had approved additional measures aimed at preventing the re-establishment of informal settlements after they have been demolished.
The dispute comes amid renewed xenophobic violence targeting African migrants in South Africa, which has prompted many Nigerians to return home over growing concerns about their safety.
