South Africa and Xenophobic Attacks: Implications on Nigeria Relations

Abstract

Xenophobia attacks have become a recurrent decimal in South Africa with implications on diplomatic relations between Africa countries especially Nigeria and the world. That is why this paper examines implications of xenophobic attacks on Nigeria-South Africa relations and other Africa countries. The objective of this paper is to identify the implications of xenophobic attacks on Nigeria-South Africa diplomatic relations and to proffer some practical steps to tackle the menace. The paper adopts secondary sources which include published books, journals, newspapers magazines, and internet sources. Interdisciplinary approach to historical research was adopted using content analysis. The paper discovered that massive evacuation of private businesses control by foreign national from South Africa has increase the level of poverty and unemployment in the country. Also, high rate of unemployment and inadequate housing accommodation perhaps the most frequently cited explanation for South African xenophobia, the evidence is mixed. This study concludes that Nigeria - South Africa diplomatic ties has been negatively affected by the xenophobic attacks. The consequential effect cut across economic, political and socio-cultural diplomatic relations between the two countries. However, the study recommended among others that South African government should enhance her diplomatic relations with other African countries especially Nigeria whose citizens have fall victims of xenophobic attacks in their countries, and a pragmatic measure should be taken to eradicate discrimination in South Africa.