South African officials have officially denied a request from the Nigerian government to provide financial compensation to citizens who fled the country due to recent xenophobic hostility. Nigeria had initiated the process of cataloging abandoned businesses and assets, led by Acting High Commissioner Temitope Ajayi, with the intention of negotiating reimbursement for the returnees.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, firmly rejected the demand during a Friday press briefing. She clarified that the state is not responsible for compensating individuals for abandoned property. Ntshavheni emphasized that legitimate property can be sold through standard market channels. Conversely, she labeled structures in informal settlements as illegal, stating that the government recognizes no ownership rights regarding such dwellings.
Furthermore, the Minister suggested that the government would prefer cooperation in identifying alleged criminal activity. She publicly requested that those departing point out locations used as drug dens so law enforcement can address those issues. The government has also implemented strategies to prevent the rebuilding of informal settlements following their demolition. This dispute arises after a wave of anti-immigrant violence prompted many Nigerians to abandon their livelihoods and depart South Africa for safety reasons.
