By: Sello Theletsane
The Nigerian government has spoken out against what it perceives to be “threats” from the Patriotic Alliance (PA) against its citizens, which it describes as engaging in “lawful activities” in South Africa.
However, PA president Gayton McKenzie has challenged the Nigerian consulate to stop ignoring the numerous instances of crimes involving their citizens in the country, particularly since the FBI confirmed the notorious Black Axe organisation to be running its operations from South Africa.
Also read: Patriotic Alliance hits back at the xenophobic tag
Called for comment, McKenzie said that neither he nor anyone in the PA had ever called for any foreigner to be attacked. “For those who are uninformed about this, let me be clear that we are just applying what South African law expects of all of us. We are tired of illegitimate businesses that drive local people out of industries due to well-known unscrupulous strategies. Our people can’t keep being sold expired food, among many other concerns.”
Nigerians are often accused of hijacking slum properties, engaging in human trafficking, the drug trade, and online scams in South Africa, among other things.
While the PA has not specifically singled out Nigerians, the party has been engaging in a campaign to oppose the business and other activities of foreigners with no legal rights to be in the country. The party has insisted that jobs should be reserved for South African citizens, with foreigners only eligible should locals not have the skills or willingness to do any particular job.
The PA’s campaign has divided South Africans, with some calling it xenophobic and many supporters applauding McKenzie’s courage and patriotism.
Also read: Patriotic Alliance promises a clean start for voters
Even EFF leader Julius Malema recently did a perceived flip-flop on the issue by launching his own campaign to investigate restaurant staff to determine whether they are in the country legally, a move that surprised many since the EFF has previously advocated for a pan-Africanism with open borders for all Africans and even the adoption of Swahili as the continent’s lingua franca.
In an advisory on Tuesday, the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg said it was aware of “threats of attacks on foreigners by members of the Patriotic Alliance” and urged Nigerians to remain peaceful as they went about their “lawful activities”.
Here are some of the reactions on social media.
You have never spoken out about the many crimes Nigerian citizens commit in South Africa, the FBI even arrested & confirm that SA is the HQ for Black Axe, Nigerians highjack building here, @OnsBaizaNie will never be intimated by your lies and Security & intelligence agencies. pic.twitter.com/wQezpHKgbx
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) January 19, 2022
You Gayton & the PA have my full support in this matter.
— Mntungwa (@Saliwa_Azariel) January 19, 2022
To Consulate General, law & order that you talk about is in citizens hands now & will be swiftly maintained. I also agree with you, that property should be protected from illegal foreign high jack. Law abiding citizens, NOT NIGERIANS are waking up from slumber. Bravo !!!
— Dragon Fire (@DragonF23085701) January 19, 2022
This must be taken to court @GaytonMcK for accusations on the statement reads attacks without grounds.
Ghana is closing their shops their not complaining. Forward we go Nigerian government has sign a law that says no foreign national will do a job nigarians can do.
South Africa
— Reginald (@Reginal24984547) January 19, 2022
They must remain “calm and law abiding”, since when are they ever law abiding? They don’t care about our laws, that’s why we are here today
—
Manthatisi Molefe
(@nananthu9) January 19, 2022
I operate a cellphone repairs business. A guy came looking for job said he’s frm Zambia. And stole from and also sold a customer phone. Only to find he’s from Zimbabwe. All foreign nationals must go back and come back afresh with proper documentation
— Moloisane (@Moloisane1) January 19, 2022
