South Africa Is Safe for Nigerians, Consul-General Moroe Says, Rejects Xenophobia Label

South Africa remains safe for Nigerians and other international visitors, according to the South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, who has encouraged Nigerians to continue visiting the country despite concerns over reported attacks involving foreign nationals.

Moroe made the remarks during an interview on Nigerian Info FM, where he addressed concerns surrounding the safety of Nigerians travelling to South Africa and reports of attacks against migrants.

The diplomat said South Africa remains open to tourists, business travellers and people visiting for other legitimate purposes. He also urged Nigerians planning to travel to ensure they obtain the appropriate visas and comply with South African immigration laws.

“I just want to give reassurance that South Africa is open for business, South Africa is open for tourism and South Africa is open for any other form of visit,” Moroe said.

He also dismissed claims that South African diplomatic missions in Nigeria had stopped issuing visas to Nigerians, describing such reports as untrue.

According to him, Nigerians are still able to apply for South African visas and should ensure that their travel documents are valid before embarking on their journeys.

Moroe advised Nigerians visiting South Africa to understand the country’s laws and their rights and responsibilities as visitors. He also encouraged travellers to conduct themselves responsibly and act as good representatives of Nigeria while abroad.

The Consul-General further maintained that the South African government is committed to protecting everyone within the country, regardless of their immigration status. He said even undocumented migrants are entitled to protection under South Africa’s Constitution.

The issue of xenophobia, however, became a major point of discussion during the interview. When asked about previous attacks in which Nigerians and other foreign nationals were reportedly targeted, Moroe rejected the description of such incidents as xenophobia. “There’s no xenophobia in South Africa,” he said.

Pressed on the fact that Nigerians had previously been victims of attacks widely described as xenophobic, the diplomat maintained that he would not use the term to describe the incidents.

Instead, Moroe argued that some of the tensions involving migrants are linked to deeper socioeconomic challenges facing South Africans, including unemployment, poverty and inequality. He stressed, however, that such concerns do not justify violence against foreigners and said the South African government does not support violent actions.

Moroe also criticised what he described as the media’s repeated use of the word “xenophobia” whenever incidents involving foreigners occur in South Africa.He argued that the terminology has contributed to a negative international perception of the country and has reinforced the idea that South Africans are generally hostile towards migrants.

According to the diplomat, South Africa’s large migrant population demonstrates that the country remains open to people from other nations. He described South Africa as one of the largest destinations for migrants on the African continent.

Moroe also pointed to government measures allowing migrants to extend visas and permits or regularise their stay, saying such efforts often receive less attention than reports of negative incidents.

He urged Nigerians not to rely solely on social media reports when making decisions about travelling to South Africa. While encouraging visitors to travel, he advised them to exercise normal caution and familiarise themselves with local laws and nearby law enforcement facilities.

The Consul-General’s comments come against the backdrop of a long history of concerns over attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly Nigerians and citizens of other African countries.

While Moroe rejected the broader characterisation of South Africans as xenophobic, he acknowledged the socioeconomic pressures that contribute to tensions and maintained that violence is not an acceptable response.

For Nigerians considering trips to South Africa for tourism, business, education or other legitimate purposes, Moroe’s message was clear: the country remains open to visitors, but travellers are expected to have valid documentation, obey local laws and remain aware of their surroundings.

He reiterated his assurance that Nigerians can safely visit South Africa and encouraged those interested in travelling to the country not to be discouraged by what he described as negative narratives surrounding the destination.