The South African government has ruled out compensating Nigerians who left properties behind after being evacuated from the country, saying only legally regist...
The South African government has ruled out compensating Nigerians who left properties behind after being evacuated from the country, saying only legally registered assets are recognised under South African law and that the government has no obligation to reimburse abandoned property.
The position was reaffirmed by South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a media briefing, where she dismissed suggestions that Pretoria should compensate Nigerians who lost or abandoned property following previous outbreaks of unrest in the country.
Her remarks came after Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, revealed that the Nigerian government was exploring possible ways of securing compensation for citizens whose assets were lost or abandoned after they were evacuated from South Africa.
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Responding to the proposal, Ntshavheni said there was no legal basis for the South African government to compensate affected Nigerians. She explained that all legitimate property ownership in South Africa is officially registered with the relevant authorities, while structures located in informal settlements are regarded as illegal and are therefore not recognised under the country’s legal framework.
She advised Nigerians and other migrants who legally own property in South Africa to sell those properties through the country’s property market instead of expecting financial compensation from the government.
“People with legitimate properties should sell them in the property market,” Ntshavheni said, maintaining that the government would not take responsibility for abandoned assets.
The minister also stressed that any property acquired illegally would not qualify for compensation. Her remarks later attracted criticism on social media from former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani, who questioned the government’s position.
Reacting to the minister’s comments, Sani wrote: “This is from a SENIOR Government official and NOT a thug from the streets.” His remarks reflected concerns expressed by some Nigerians over South Africa’s response to the issue.
Ntshavheni, however, stood by her position and rejected suggestions that her comments had been misunderstood. “I didn’t stutter. Any form of property obtained illegally won’t be compensated for,” she responded.
Beyond the issue of compensation, the minister also called on the Nigerian government to provide information on locations allegedly linked to drug-related activities. She said such intelligence would help South African law enforcement agencies strengthen efforts against organised crime operating within the country.
The latest exchange adds to ongoing discussions between Nigeria and South Africa over the welfare and safety of Nigerian nationals living in South Africa. Relations between the two countries came under pressure after recent xenophobic attacks, during which businesses and properties belonging to foreign nationals, including Nigerians, were looted, vandalised and destroyed in several South African cities.
The violence prompted the Nigerian government to evacuate hundreds of its citizens through a government-assisted voluntary return programme. The attacks attracted widespread condemnation across Africa, with Nigeria calling for stronger protection for its citizens and their investments. South Africa later pledged to improve security, prosecute those responsible for the attacks, and continue diplomatic engagement with Nigeria through mechanisms aimed at addressing migration, crime and the safety of foreign nationals.
