The South African government has rejected Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens who fled the country after renewed xenophobic attacks, insisting it will not pay for businesses or properties abandoned by affected Nigerians.
The development comes after the Nigerian government disclosed that it was documenting losses suffered by citizens who returned home following the attacks, with the aim of seeking compensation through diplomatic engagement.
Earlier this week, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, said the Federal Government had begun compiling records of businesses and properties left behind by returnees as part of efforts to pursue possible compensation.
However, speaking at a press conference on Friday, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, ruled out any compensation, arguing that legally owned properties remain protected under South African law and can be sold through the country’s property market.
She also maintained that structures located in informal settlements are not legally recognised as property under South African law.
“There’s no compensation that will come from government. Those who leave their properties, if they are properly legally registered in the country, they can dispose of the properties in the property market in South Africa,” Ntshavheni said.
She further called for information on locations allegedly linked to criminal activities, saying authorities would act on any credible information provided.
Ntshavheni also announced that the South African government had approved new measures aimed at preventing the re-establishment of informal settlements after demolition exercises.
The latest position comes amid renewed xenophobic violence targeting African migrants in South Africa, which forced many Nigerians to return home over concerns about their safety and livelihoods.
