Omanghana
South African anti-immigrant activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has expressed anger after videos surfaced online showing Nigerians protesting in what appeared to be a retaliatory response to recent anti-foreigner unrest in South Africa.
The development has further intensified tensions surrounding migration, xenophobia, and diplomatic relations between South Africa and other African countries.
Nigerian Protest Sparks Reaction
A video shared by News Century TV showed a group of protesters marching through a street in Nigeria, with reports suggesting that the demonstration was linked to growing anger over attacks and threats directed at foreign nationals in South Africa.
The reports indicated that some protesters moved toward an MTN office, a South African-owned telecommunications company operating in Nigeria.
The march is believed to have been connected to months of anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa, including tensions surrounding a June 30 eviction deadline announced by some South African groups targeting Nigerian and other foreign nationals.
The unrest reportedly led to incidents of violence, looting, and attacks against migrants from across sub-Saharan Africa.
Ngobese-Zuma Doubles Down on Position
Following the circulation of the footage, Ngobese-Zuma, a prominent figure associated with the March and March movement, responded through her Facebook platform.
Instead of calling for restraint, she criticized the Nigerian protest action and reiterated her strong anti-immigrant position.
In her statement, she wrote:
“Nigerians marching and looking for South Africans to chase out of Nigeria… at this point let them intensify their madness so we can intensify getting their scammers out of here.”
Her comments drew renewed attention to her movement’s previous campaigns against foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Social Media Users Criticize Response
The activist’s reaction triggered widespread debate online, with many social media users criticizing what they described as an inconsistent response to retaliatory actions.
Some commentators argued that groups involved in campaigns to remove foreign nationals from South Africa could not claim exclusive ownership over nationalist or xenophobic responses.
Critics pointed out that aggressive anti-immigrant rhetoric and actions in one country could contribute to similar reactions elsewhere in the region.
Others called for African nations to avoid escalating tensions and instead pursue dialogue and peaceful solutions to migration-related challenges.
Rising Regional Concerns Over Xenophobia
The latest controversy comes amid renewed concerns about the treatment of African migrants in South Africa, where issues including unemployment, crime, and economic hardship have often been linked to anti-foreigner sentiment.
Foreign nationals from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and others have frequently reported harassment and discrimination during periods of heightened xenophobic tension.
Governments and civil society organizations across Africa have repeatedly called for stronger protections for migrants and greater cooperation in addressing the root causes of economic and social challenges.
Calls for Calm and Regional Dialogue
As tensions continue to unfold, observers have urged leaders and activists across the continent to avoid inflammatory statements and actions that could deepen divisions between African communities.
The situation has renewed discussions about the need for coordinated migration policies, protection of citizens abroad, and stronger diplomatic engagement to prevent retaliatory conflicts between neighboring nations.
Source: Omanghana
