A South African woman, Thabile Sibeko, has sparked outrage after openly expressing hostility toward Nigerians amid a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
Nigerians have been among those most affected by the violence, prompting an evacuation effort by the Nigerian government.
Sibeko, who identified herself as the president of the Inizwe Nathi Party, made the remarks while addressing journalists during the departure of Nigerians from South Africa. In a video shared by News Central, she stated that she was pleased to see fellow Africans leaving the country.
“I’m here to bid farewell to Nigerians, to make sure that they are leaving our country and to say to them bye-bye. Thank you for all you contributed to our country,” she said.
She went further to accuse Nigerians of contributing to social problems in South Africa, alleging that their activities had negatively impacted local communities.
“We did not appreciate the wrongs that you have done… we hope that you have learned a lesson. When you go to other countries, you must take care of them,” she added.
Sibeko also made unverified claims linking Nigerians to drug-related issues, which she said had fueled resentment among South Africans.
Meanwhile, the first batch of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived in Lagos on Thursday.
Welcoming the returnees, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, assured that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad.
“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality,” he said.
He noted that the evacuation demonstrates the government’s resolve to safeguard the welfare and safety of its citizens, adding that more returnees are expected in subsequent flights.
The evacuees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi.
Enikanolaiye emphasized that the government would not tolerate attacks or harassment against Nigerians anywhere in the world. He also urged Nigerians still residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding, stay vigilant, and report any threats to the Nigerian mission.
According to him, the returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling, and medical checks, after which they will be provided temporary accommodation before being reunited with their families.
“The Federal Government remains fully engaged with South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and address the root causes of these incidents,” he added.
He described the evacuation as a proactive and decisive response aimed at preserving the lives and dignity of Nigerians in the face of rising xenophobic violence.
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