South Africa is one of Africa’s most developed countries with a thriving economy, but it has struggled with persistent tensions between citizens and foreign nationals. The periodic waves of Xenophobic violence that have continued to target foreign nationals, particularly African migrants, are raising concerns about safety, diplomacy, and government responsibility.

Many Nigerians living in South Africa dream of finding better opportunities, but often do so with fear. This fear has constantly raised questions about the measures the Nigerian government is taking to protect the lives of its citizens.

Understanding Xenophobia in South Africa
Xenophobia is the fear or dislike of people from other countries. In South Africa, Xenophobia has taken the form of violent attacks, looting of shops owned by foreigners, and the intimidation of migrants.

Xenophobia in South Africa didn’t begin as a one-day event; it can be traced to the end of apartheid in South Africa. After apartheid ended in 1994, many South Africans expected employment, better housing, and improved living conditions, while many migrants from other African countries moved into South Africa, to enjoy better living conditions.

According to research, xenophobic attacks in South Africa are closely tied to the struggles citizens face every day, such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality. When jobs are scarce and living conditions are difficult, tensions rise in some communities. Instead of these issues being directed to the government, the anger is often turned towards foreign nationals living and working in the country.

Why Xenophobia Keeps Happening

The reasons below are perceived to be factors that keep fueling Xenophobia

Economic pressure and unemployment
South Africa struggles with high unemployment, especially among young people. According to the World Bank, about 40% of South African adults are unemployed or have stopped looking for jobs. This creates intense competition for low-income jobs and small business opportunities. Foreigners, including Nigerians, are often accused of taking the jobs that should belong to South Africans.

Weak service delivery and inequality
Poor infrastructure, inequality, and slow government response to public needs have created frustration in many communities. Instead of addressing these structural problems, anger is sometimes redirected toward migrants.

Law enforcement challenges
In some situations, authorities are slow to act or fail to protect foreign nationals during violence. ActionAid International, in its reports, noted that xenophobic attacks in South Africa have continued partly because of the slow action of law enforcement and the lack of accountability for perpetrators.

Why Nigerians Go to South Africa
Despite the risks, every year, thousands of Nigerians continue to travel to South Africa for one or all of the reasons listed below:

1. Business opportunities
Many Nigerians run small and medium-scale businesses in retail, beauty, technology, and services. South Africa’s large consumer market offers more opportunities than many home economies.

2. Education and professional growth
South Africa’s universities and professional environment attract students and skilled workers seeking better academic and career opportunities.

3. Stability.
Due to instability and insecurity in parts of Nigeria, some Nigerians seek safety, which they find in South Africa.

The Nigerian Government’s Response

1. Diplomatic engagement. The Nigerian government, through its foreign affairs structures, engages South African authorities to demand protection for Nigerian citizens and accountability for perpetrators.

2. Diaspora protection efforts. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has repeatedly called for stronger protection of Nigerians abroad and has raised concerns about worsening conditions during recent incidents. It has also reported cases where Nigerians feel unsafe, including shop closures and fear among students in affected areas.

3.In periods of heightened tension, Nigerian authorities and diaspora agencies sometimes advise citizens to exercise caution, close businesses temporarily, or avoid protest areas for safety reasons.

4.Demands for stronger action. Recently, the Nigerian government has made calls for stronger security protection for Nigerians, swift prosecution of attackers, and public condemnation of xenophobia.

Despite the actions taken by the Nigerian government in protecting its citizens, there are still arguments that these efforts are not strong or consistent enough to fully protect Nigerians in South Africa.

Reports by Punch Newspapers show that many Nigerians described the government’s reaction as weak. While the government operates within diplomatic limits, repeated incidents continue to raise concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s actions.

Observers suggest that stricter measures that may include sanctions against South African businesses operating in Nigeria to put the South African government under pressure to take quicker, more decisive actions, should have been taken by now. This school of thought believes that only commensurate counter-action can deter South Africans and their government from the perilous path of xenophobia.

For Nigerians affected by the Xenophobia attacks in South Africa, it remains a matter of survival and consistent requests to the Nigerian government, to take more decisive actions that will not only save their lives, but also guarantee their long-term prosperity and survival in South Africa.