{
  "id": 113579,
  "title": "I left my wife and twins behind - why this Nigerian man fled South Africa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/i-left-my-wife-and-twins-behind-why-this-nigerian-man-fled-south-113579",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T23:14:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC World",
    "slug": "bbc-world",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gx2y454w5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigerian Richard Itoro is grappling with his decision to leave his wife and twin children behind in Johannesburg after facing anti-migrant protests in South Africa. The 47-year-old businessman left his flourishing car dealership business and family home behind in June, fearing for his safety and seeking to escape harassment. Itoro's wife, too, endured intimidation from neighbours who demanded that she and other Nigerian wives leave the country.\n\nHis experience is emblematic of the broader trend of tens of thousands of foreigners departing South Africa in the past two months due to the anti-migrant protests. South Africa's outspoken Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, maintains that the country is open only to those who come with the proper documentation. However, Itoro, like others, faced hostility despite possessing a valid residency permit. Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, expressed concern over the attacks on Nigerians with legitimate papers.\n\nThe diplomatic strain has been amplified by the death of a Nigerian man killed during a police raid for suspected drug offenses, for which an independent investigation is underway. The incident, coupled with a video showing Ghanaian Emmanuel Asamoah being harassed, has fueled concerns across Africa. Asamoah, a hairstylist who legally resided in South Africa, returned home after facing intimidation from South Africans, emphasizing the growing hostility towards migrants.\n\nThe high unemployment rate in South Africa (over 30%) has been cited as a contributing factor to the tensions. McKenzie acknowledged the job situation but called for those without proper documents to leave. For those like Asamoah who were legally present, returning home has provided a fresh start, opening a cement business in Ghana. However, Ghana's Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, criticized South Africa for failing to recognize the spirit of continental solidarity and free movement, questioning the resolution of immigration issues in the region.",
  "summary": "Nigerian Richard Itoro is one of tens of thousands who have abandoned their lives in South Africa.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC News",
        "title": "I left my wife and twins behind - why this Nigerian man fled South Africa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/i-left-my-wife-and-twins-behind-why-this-nigerian-man-fled-south",
        "published": "2026-08-03T23:14:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}