South African activist and actor, Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as Phakel’umthakathi,
has issued a call for Nigerians and and other foreign nationals, particularly Africans operating informal shops in South Africa, to close their businesses and leave the country.
He set June 30 as a deadline for compliance.
In his address, the activist publicly commended countries like Ghana for repatriating their citizens. He frames the movement as a call for non-South Africans to return home and pressure their own governments to build stronger economies, rejecting labels of xenophobia.
The clips have ignited fierce debate on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Critics argue that the rhetoric puts legally residing Nigerian shop owners and their families at risk, noting many have no connection to criminal activity.
Human rights groups have warned that broad calls for expulsion can fuel vigilantism and endanger innocent people.
As of June 1, 2026, Nigerian diplomatic representatives have not formally addressed this specific clip. However, South African officials have spoken against mob action.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni recently condemned vigilantism, stating that state enforcement focuses on undocumented immigrants and is not directed at specific African nationalities.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains that Nigerians abroad are entitled to protection and dignity under international law. In past bilateral engagements, both nations have committed to addressing tensions through diplomatic channels.
South Africa has seen recurring waves of anti-immigrant sentiment, often centered on economic grievances in townships and informal markets.
The current campaign coincides with broader regional debates on migration, documentation, and economic pressure on local communities.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
