South Africa Releases Fani-Kayode’s Speech After Protest Over Livestream Snub

PRETORIA – The South African authorities have released the speech delivered by Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, after he protested the omission of his address from the official livestream of a diplomatic ceremony attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The development followed complaints by Fani-Kayode that Nigeria was the only country among 15 participating diplomatic missions whose ambassador’s introduction and speech were excluded from the live broadcast of the presentation of Letters of Credence.

The ceremony, held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, brought together ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions from 15 countries, alongside the European Union, to formally present their credentials to President Ramaphosa.

Fani-Kayode had expressed displeasure after observing that the official livestream captured the introductions and speeches of other diplomats but was interrupted when it was Nigeria’s turn.

According to the Nigerian envoy, the transmission resumed immediately after he had completed his presentation to the South African President.

Describing the development as disturbing, Fani-Kayode said Nigeria was singled out in the broadcast, raising concerns about the treatment of the country and its diplomatic representation.

“The entire event was livestreamed, but of all the 15 introductions and speeches made that morning, only Nigeria’s was cut out,” he said.

The ambassador suggested that the omission might reflect the attitude of some individuals towards Nigeria, although no independent evidence has established that the country was deliberately censored.

“Clearly, some elements in South Africa do not want to hear what we have to say or see our faces, but we are here to stay as long as we are welcome and have the confidence of President Ramaphosa, which I am sure we do,” he added.

Fani-Kayode Raises Complaint With Ramaphosa

The Nigerian diplomat disclosed that he personally drew President Ramaphosa’s attention to the missing broadcast during the official photograph session that followed the presentation of credentials.

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According to Fani-Kayode, the South African leader reacted immediately, confronted officials responsible for the broadcast and questioned them about why Nigeria’s segment had been omitted.

He said Ramaphosa directed the relevant officials to address the situation.

However, the intervention came after the Nigerian ambassador’s presentation had already been excluded from the live transmission.

Fani-Kayode maintained that the omission did not mean his address was unavailable, as media organisations covering the ceremony, including Nigerian television crews, recorded the proceedings.

He also disclosed that he declined an interview request from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), advising its representatives to watch the speech that had been left out of the official livestream.

The subsequent release of the speech has brought the development into renewed focus, although the circumstances surrounding its initial exclusion from the broadcast have not been independently established.

Tinubu’s Message to Ramaphosa

Despite the controversy, Fani-Kayode used the diplomatic occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with South Africa.

He conveyed fraternal greetings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Ramaphosa, emphasising the historical relationship between both countries and Nigeria’s contributions to South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.

The ambassador said his diplomatic assignment would focus on rebuilding confidence, addressing areas of disagreement and expanding cooperation between the two African nations.

He identified trade, industrial development, economic cooperation and regional stability as important areas requiring greater collaboration.

Fani-Kayode also stressed that Nigeria and South Africa must maintain mutual respect, given their historical contributions, strategic importance and influence across the African continent.

He acknowledged Ramaphosa’s personal intervention following his complaint but maintained that his respect for South Africa and its people would not prevent him from speaking against actions he considered disrespectful to Nigeria and its citizens.

The diplomatic incident comes amid heightened concerns over the treatment and safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, following reported xenophobic attacks and killings that have strained relations between the two countries.

Fani-Kayode has previously warned that Nigeria’s patience was wearing thin over attacks on its citizens but cautioned against calls for a complete breakdown of diplomatic and economic relations.

The ambassador has consistently advocated dialogue, mutual respect and stronger Pan-African cooperation, arguing that the historical sacrifices made by Nigeria and other African countries towards ending apartheid should remain a foundation for lasting friendship.

With the release of his speech following the protest, attention is now expected to focus on the circumstances surrounding the broadcast omission and the need to ensure that diplomatic engagements involving Nigeria receive appropriate representation.