RismadarVoice Reporters, April 27, 2026
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in the country to respect its laws, customs and traditions, as authorities grapple with renewed anti-foreigner tensions in parts of the nation.
Speaking during a national address broadcast on SABC News to mark Freedom Day, Ramaphosa emphasised that while South Africa remains committed to human rights and international cooperation, adherence to domestic laws is non-negotiable.
“To those who are here legally, respect us as South Africans, respect our laws, respect our conventions and our traditions, as you would want us to respect the laws and traditions of your own country,” he said.
The President noted that the government would continue to enforce immigration laws, particularly against undocumented migrants, urging citizens to allow due process rather than resort to unlawful actions.
“We have already put in place mechanisms to deal with those who are in our country illegally. Let our laws take their course,” he stated, reaffirming the country’s commitment to multilateralism and principled diplomacy.
Ramaphosa also highlighted the importance of international law in sustaining global order, describing it as a safeguard for nations regardless of their size or influence. He added that genuine multilateralism requires respect for diversity alongside adherence to core principles such as sovereignty, accountability and peaceful coexistence.
His remarks come amid fresh protests and isolated attacks targeting foreign nationals in cities including Durban, Cape Town and East London, as well as parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Some of the incidents have reportedly involved looting and sporadic violence, raising concerns among migrant communities.
However, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, downplayed fears of a widespread crackdown on Nigerians, describing the situation as contained.
“Right now Nigerians are not under siege in South Africa. The situation is under control, and both governments are working together,” Ajayi said during an interview on Channels Television.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, stressing that the incidents were limited and not representative of the broader South African population. Ajayi also dismissed viral videos showing alleged harassment of foreigners, attributing such actions to a small group of individuals.
Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has issued safety advisories, urging Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid confrontations with protest groups.
The commission advised citizens to monitor local developments and take precautionary measures, particularly in areas where demonstrations have turned violent. It also confirmed that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is liaising with South African authorities to ensure the safety of nationals.
Additionally, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is reportedly engaging her South African counterpart in diplomatic efforts to address the situation and prevent further escalation.
