Ramaphosa Urges Foreign Nationals to Respect Local South African Laws

By Babatunji Wusu

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a spirit of mutual respect between his citizens and foreign residents. During a speech marking Freedom Day, the President sent a clear message to Nigerians and other nationals living in the country. He asked them to follow the rules and honour the local way of life. “To those who are here legally, respect us as South Africans, respect our laws, respect our conventions and our traditions, as you would want us to respect the laws and traditions of your own country,” he said.

This call for mutual respect comes at a difficult time as tensions have risen in places like Durban and Cape Town. There have been worrying reports of unrest and anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. While the President promised to uphold human rights, he also warned that the government would strictly enforce immigration rules. He believes that the country can handle those who are there illegally by letting the legal system do its job.

Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador, Alexander Ajayi, has tried to reassure his people during this period. He stated that Nigerians are not currently under siege and that the authorities have the situation under control. He mentioned that viral videos showing harassment do not reflect the feelings of most South Africans. Both governments are now working together to keep everyone safe and encourage a sense of mutual respect across all communities.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has also told citizens to stay calm and avoid any fights. They want everyone to remain law-abiding while the leaders find a peaceful way forward. By following international law and respecting each other’s sovereignty, both nations hope to maintain a stable and friendly relationship for the future.

How can both governments work together to stop the spread of misinformation that fuels these tensions?