The South African government has ruled out compensating Nigerian nationals who reportedly abandoned property in the country amid fears of xenophobic violence.
Government Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said no payments would be made, responding to reports suggesting that South Africa should compensate affected Nigerians for losses linked to alleged xenophobic attacks.
Ntshavheni Says Government Will Not Pay Compensation
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Ntshavheni dismissed the suggestion that the government should provide financial compensation to Nigerian citizens who left South Africa and were unable to recover their belongings.
She stated that the government would not make such payments, reiterating its position on the matter during the interview.
Debate Follows Reports of Property Losses
The comments come after reports claimed that some Nigerian nationals fled South Africa because of fears of xenophobic attacks, leaving behind homes, businesses and other personal property.
Calls for compensation have reportedly emerged in connection with those alleged losses, prompting questions to the government about whether financial assistance would be considered.
Government Maintains Firm Position
Ntshavheni’s remarks indicate that the South African government has no plans to introduce a compensation programme for foreign nationals affected under the reported circumstances.
No further details were provided regarding alternative measures or discussions with Nigerian authorities on the issue.
Separate Reports Circulate Over Community Confrontation
Separately, videos circulating on social media have claimed to show a group described by some users as looters entering a whites-only community in South Africa, where armed residents allegedly fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.
Some online accounts have also claimed that the individuals who opened fire were private security personnel using rubber bullets. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identities of those involved and the type of ammunition used, have not been independently verified by authorities.
