Calling South Africa xenophobic is unfair – Envoy, Moroe

In an interview with Daniel Ayantoye, South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Professor Bobby Moroe addresses allegations of xenophobia and violence against migrants in South Africa. He explains that President Bola Tinubu's delegation to Nigeria did not receive a personal meeting from President Cyril Ramaphosa, as is common diplomatic practice. Instead, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola visited Ghana and Nigeria to convey the message.

Moroe discusses several issues raised during the engagement, including alleged extrajudicial killings. He cites an example of a Nigerian national who died in Cape Town after swallowing substances he believed would prevent his arrest. Moroe emphasizes that South Africa takes responsibility for incidents that are within its jurisdiction, but not for actions outside its control.

Regarding the possibility of a meeting between Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa, Moroe states that it is premature to discuss it further. However, he believes that the message conveyed through Lamola's visit will lead to action in the coming weeks. He also addresses the claim that South Africans are responsible for xenophobic attacks against migrants, asserting that most South Africans do not share this sentiment.

He clarifies that some foreigners, particularly Nigerians, do not respect local laws and remain in the country illegally, which has raised concerns among South Africans.

Moroe dismisses the notion that South Africans are taking jobs away from South Africans, stating that everyone competes for job opportunities and that some employers pay less than the minimum wage, attracting foreign workers. He dismisses the idea that foreigners are taking women away from South Africans, noting that love transcends borders and that South Africans also marry foreigners.

He also addresses the claim that South Africans dislike Nigerian men, emphasizing that this is a cultural issue rather than a factual one. Finally, Moroe argues that labeling South Africa as xenophobic is unfair and unfair to other African countries that experience similar issues.