The Federal Government has criticised South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, over her demand that Nigeria identify the locations of alleged drug dens linked to Nigerians living in South Africa.
Ntshavheni made the remarks during a press briefing on Friday, July 3, while dismissing calls for compensation for Nigerians who abandoned their businesses and properties after returning home amid recent anti-migrant violence.
Rather than discuss compensation, the minister said South Africa wanted information that would help authorities shut down alleged drug operations.
“We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are. So they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently,” Ntshavheni said.
She also argued that structures located in informal settlements could not qualify for compensation because they were illegal.
“Squatter camps and informal settlements are never properties because they are illegal in the country. So you are already violating our law if you are going to tell us about a shack in some informal settlement.”
Rejecting the possibility of any government compensation, she added:
“So 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, whether it’s a movable or immovable property. And we are going to seriously appreciate to be told where are the drug dens.”
Ntshavheni later reaffirmed her position after former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, expressed surprise at her comments.
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“I didn’t stutter,” she replied to Sani.
Reacting on Sunday, July 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the minister’s remarks as inflammatory and unacceptable.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal Government said the comments amounted to hate speech capable of encouraging attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.
“The unguarded public statements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned. Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community.
“The gang leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability.”
The ministry noted that two Nigerians were killed shortly before the June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration groups for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.
It added that at least four Nigerians have officially been confirmed dead since xenophobic violence escalated in April, although some returnees have claimed the actual number of casualties is higher.
The Federal Government called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the killings and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.
It also stressed that South Africa has a responsibility to protect Nigerians lawfully residing in the country, pointing out that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria without intimidation or harassment.
The government warned that it could take further action if attacks on Nigerians persist.