“S.A Are Not Against People From Other Nations. We Are One People. We’re Not Xenophobic.” — S. African President, Ramaphosa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to growing diplomatic tensions following reports that members of the Nigerian Senate threatened to boycott MTN and other South African companies operating in Nigeria.

Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africans are not inherently hostile toward foreign nationals, stressing the country’s history of coexistence and unity.

“We have experienced in South Africa, which I have spoken about, that South Africans inherently are not against people from other nations. We are one people. We’ve always been one people,” he said.

He also acknowledged the need to balance concerns, noting that the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa must be protected while also addressing the legitimate concerns raised by citizens.

“And of course, we’ve got to also pay heed to the security of those from other countries who are in South Africa, but also pay heed to the concerns that are being raised by South Africans,” he added.

Ramaphosa further revealed that he had discussed the issue with Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, with both leaders agreeing on the need for cooperation among affected countries.

“It’s not only one country that is affected, and all countries that have foreign nationals in South Africa are also affected as South Africa is affected. So we must all work together, join hands, to find solutions to this problem,” he said.

He called for regional collaboration to address the challenges, urging all stakeholders to work together in finding lasting solutions.