By a Correspondent
South Africa has ruled out compensating Nigerian nationals who left properties behind after being evacuated from the country, saying only legally registered assets are recognised under its laws.
The South African government said properties acquired illegally or located in informal settlements do not qualify for any form of compensation.
The position was reaffirmed by South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who dismissed suggestions that Pretoria should compensate affected Nigerians for assets abandoned during previous outbreaks of unrest.
Her remarks followed comments by Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, who said the Nigerian government was exploring possible avenues to secure compensation for citizens who lost or abandoned property after being evacuated.
Speaking at a media briefing, Ntshavheni said South Africa had no legal basis to compensate affected property owners.
She said all legitimate properties in the country are registered with the relevant authorities, while structures in informal settlements are illegal and therefore not recognised under South African law.
Ntshavheni advised migrants who legally own property in South Africa to sell their assets through the country’s property market rather than expect compensation from the government.
“People with legitimate properties should sell them in the property market,” she said, adding that the government would not assume responsibility for abandoned assets.
Her comments drew criticism from former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani, who questioned the government’s hardline stance.
“This is from a SENIOR Government official and NOT a thug from the streets,” Sani wrote on social media.
Ntshavheni stood by her remarks, replying: “I didn’t stutter. Any form of property obtained illegally won’t be compensated for.”
The minister also renewed South Africa’s call on the Nigerian government to share intelligence on locations allegedly being used for drug-related activities, saying such information would help law enforcement agencies combat organised crime.
The latest exchange adds to longstanding tensions between Nigeria and South Africa over the treatment of Nigerian nationals.
Relations between the two countries came under renewed strain following recent xenophobic attacks, during which businesses and properties belonging to foreign nationals, including Nigerians, were looted, vandalised and destroyed in several South African cities.
The violence prompted Nigeria to evacuate hundreds of its citizens through a government-assisted voluntary repatriation programme.
The attacks were widely condemned across Africa, with Nigeria calling on South Africa to provide stronger protection for its citizens and their investments.
In response, Pretoria pledged to strengthen security measures, prosecute those responsible for the attacks and continue diplomatic engagement with Nigeria to address recurring concerns over migration, crime and the safety of foreign nationals.
