Calling South Africa xenophobic is unfair – Envoy, Moroe

In an interview with DANIEL AYANTOYE, South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe addressed allegations of xenophobia and violence against migrants in his country. Prof. Moroe clarified that President Cyril Ramaphosa did not need to meet President Bola Tinubu, as diplomatic practice allows a Head of State to send a special envoy to deliver a message on their behalf. The delegation's visit to Nigeria was conducted by Minister Ronald Lamola, following the anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa.

Both countries raised genuine concerns, including alleged extrajudicial killings. A case of a Nigerian national who died before the arrival of the police after swallowing substances to resist arrest was cited as an example. Prof. Moroe emphasized that South Africa cannot be held responsible for acts outside its jurisdiction. He also stated that it would be unfair to label South Africa as xenophobic without justification.

Regarding the plan for a meeting between Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa, Prof. Moroe stated that it was too early to confirm any developments, but assured that action would be taken in the next few weeks. The Consul-General clarified that the message had been conveyed and diplomatic work is done from the bottom up.

Addressing the recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Prof. Moroe emphasized that South Africans are a diverse nation with people from various backgrounds and cultures. He debunked the claim that Nigerian men are taking women away from South African men, stating that it is a cultural issue and not a true reflection of South African society.