South Africa Xenophobia Crisis Deepens as NANS Targets MTN, MultiChoice

South Africa Xenophobia Crisis Deepens as NANS Targets MTN, MultiChoice

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, South-West Zone D, has threatened to stage nationwide protests and demonstrations against South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa that reportedly claimed the lives of Nigerians.

The students’ body, in a statement signed by its South-West Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, condemned what it described as a disturbing pattern of violence and hostility against Nigerians residing in South Africa.

According to NANS, the recent killing of two Nigerians highlights the growing insecurity and discrimination faced by foreign nationals in the country. The association warned that Nigerian students would no longer remain silent while Nigerians continue to face attacks abroad.

The group disclosed that it had begun mobilising students across the South-West for peaceful demonstrations and advocacy campaigns targeting major South African companies in Nigeria, including MTN Group and MultiChoice Group.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end,” the statement read.

“The recent killing of two Nigerians is not just an isolated tragedy but a painful reminder of a recurring pattern of hostility and violence against our people.”

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NANS argued that it was morally unacceptable for South African businesses to thrive peacefully in Nigeria while Nigerians in South Africa allegedly face intimidation, violence and discrimination.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the association stated, warning that silence, delayed responses or symbolic gestures from authorities would no longer suffice.

The students’ body called on the South African government and security agencies to urgently halt the attacks, protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals, and ensure justice for victims.

It also maintained that it remained open to dialogue and constructive engagement with South African business representatives and diplomatic channels to resolve the crisis peacefully.

The latest threat comes amid rising diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa over renewed anti-immigrant protests in parts of Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban.

Recently, anti-migrant groups in South Africa intensified demonstrations demanding stricter immigration enforcement and the removal of undocumented foreigners, sparking fears among many African migrants living in the country.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier disclosed that over 130 Nigerians in South Africa requested voluntary repatriation following the renewed protests and attacks.

The Nigerian government has also reportedly summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner over the incidents and demanded full investigations into the deaths of Nigerians allegedly linked to South African security operatives.

The issue has continued to generate reactions across Nigeria, with several political leaders and groups calling for stronger diplomatic and economic measures against South Africa over repeated xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians.

Previous xenophobic attacks in 2017 and 2019 triggered retaliatory protests and tensions in Nigeria, especially against major South African-linked businesses operating in the country.

South Africa Xenophobia Crisis Deepens as NANS Targets MTN, MultiChoice