South Africans are back on the streets to demand the immediate
departure of Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in the
country.
According to the Sowetan Live, protesters in eastern Johannesburg
stormed the streets on Suday, chanting “foreigners must go back to
where they came from.”
One of the protesters, Siphiwe Mhlongo was quoted as saying, “We are
not happy with how the government has tried to resolve the problems
that the country is facing.
“The government must come speak to the people and explain what it is
going to do with the foreign nationals who are here illegally.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, yesterday, revealed
that about 400 Nigerians have so far registered to be evacuated from
South Africa following the recent onslaught on Nigerians and other
foreigners in the Southern African country.
Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Godwin Adama made the
disclosure today in a chat with newsmen.
He disclosed that the first batch of returnees will be repatriated on
Wednesday via Air Peace Airlines.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Kabiru Bala, also noted
that the mission was sorting out the needs of Nigerians with
inadequate travel documents.
Bala said: “We are documenting them. Those without travel documents,
we shall provide them with Emergency Travel Certificates.
“There are other governmental procedures that we must observe.
Relevant agencies of government in Nigeria must be informed and must
be ready to receive the returnees.
“Hard work is now going on at the High Commission and Consulate in
this regard. As soon as all procedures and relevant protocols are
observed, the return is assured and guaranteed.
“A little more patience will be helpful. The response of Nigerians is
just amazing.’’
