The South African government has dismissed Nigeria’s request for compensation for Nigerians who abandoned businesses and properties while leaving the country following recent anti-immigration protests.
The response follows Nigeria’s announcement that it would seek compensation for citizens who voluntarily returned home after xenophobic tensions escalated in parts of South Africa.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, had said the Federal Government intended to work with South African authorities to verify abandoned properties and pursue compensation for affected Nigerians.
More than 600 Nigerians have been repatriated to Nigeria in recent weeks under the Federal Government’s voluntary evacuation programme.
South African authorities, however, insist that those who returned were residing in the country illegally without valid documentation.
Responding to Nigeria’s position, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, on Friday, July 3, during a press briefing, ruled out any government compensation.
“There’s no compensation that will come from government,” Ntshavheni said.
She maintained that individuals who legally owned assets in South Africa could dispose of them through existing legal channels.
READ ALSO: Nigeria To Seek Compensation For Returnees Leaving Businesses, Assets In S’Africa
“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 SA, whether it’s a movable or immovable property,” Ntshavheni said.
The minister also took a swipe at Nigeria, calling for information on criminal activities involving foreign nationals.
“And we are going to seriously appreciate to be told where are the drug dens,” she added.
However, South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, referred to as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) adopted a more measured position, saying any compensation request would be assessed individually rather than dismissed outright.
Speaking to SABC News on Thursday, July 2, Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said compensation claims would be handled through the country’s legal system.
“We do think that the issues that are raised will be looked at on a case-by-case basis. There are some other preliminary questions that one would have to establish before giving a blanket answer or a whole answer around some of these matters,” Phiri said.
“So each case will be looked at on a case-by-case basis. And, as you would know, we have a very robust judicial system where individuals can bring particular claims.
“We do trust that our judicial system will be able to process those and see them to their final conclusion. And also, where there are relevant private institutions that have to be called upon, that’s a process that will take place.”