“I Don’t Think It’s True to Say Nigerians Are Being Kicked Out of South Africa Because They Are Taking Our Women”

South Africa’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has rejected claims that Nigerians living in South Africa are being targeted or expelled because they are romantically involved with South African women.

Moroe made the clarification amid growing tensions surrounding the treatment of Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, where concerns over xenophobia and anti-immigrant violence have generated renewed diplomatic attention.

Moroe Rejects “Taking Our Women” Narrative

Speaking in a recent interview, Moroe questioned the idea that Nigerian migrants were being forced out of South Africa because of relationships with South African women.

The comments come at a time when social media discussions have increasingly focused on allegations that some Nigerians are being targeted because of their relationships with South African women.

Moroe's position is that such claims should not be presented as an established explanation for the treatment of Nigerians in the country.

Xenophobia Remains a Major Concern

While Moroe has pushed back against what he considers inaccurate narratives about South Africa, concerns over Afrophobia and violence against foreign nationals remain significant.

In July, the envoy said South African authorities had arrested more than 80 people allegedly connected with recent Afrophobia-related attacks.

Nigeria's government has also expressed concern over the targeting of African migrants in South Africa, warning that describing entire groups as criminals or threats can create an environment where violence becomes socially acceptable.

Visa Rumours Also Sparked Tensions

The controversy comes shortly after reports circulated that South Africa had stopped issuing visas to Nigerians amid anti-migrant protests.

The South African Consulate in Lagos subsequently rejected the reports, maintaining that its visa sections remained open and that Nigerians could continue submitting applications.

Moroe has also encouraged Nigerians planning to visit South Africa to obtain the appropriate visas and comply with the country's immigration laws, while assuring them that South Africa remains open to Nigerian tourists and business travellers.

Nigeria-South Africa Relations Under Pressure

The latest comments come against the backdrop of renewed debate over the relationship between Nigerians and South Africans.

Both countries have extensive economic, cultural and people-to-people ties, but allegations of xenophobia, immigration violations and criminal activity involving foreign nationals have periodically strained relations.

For Nigerian migrants, however, the central concern remains whether they can live and conduct business in South Africa without being subjected to discrimination or violence.

Moroe's latest remarks appear aimed at separating verified immigration and security issues from claims circulating on social media, while also reassuring Nigerians that South Africa remains open to legitimate visitors.

As tensions continue to attract public attention, the debate over xenophobia, migration and the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa is likely to remain a major issue in Nigeria-South Africa relations.