South African Consul-General addresses xenophobia allegations and migrant violence in Nigeria interview

He clarified diplomatic protocols regarding President Ramaphosa sending a special envoy to Nigeria and Ghana, noting that it is standard practice. Moroe addressed concerns about alleged extrajudicial killings, citing an incident where a Nigerian national died after swallowing substances during an attempted arrest, emphasizing that such deaths are not necessarily extrajudicial. He stated that the majority of South Africans do not hold anti-migrant sentiments and dismissed claims that South African men are upset about Nigerian men taking their women, attributing such preferences to individual choice.

Moroe highlighted that South Africans' main concern is the disrespect for laws by some foreign nationals, including illegal residency, and argued that labeling South Africa as xenophobic for addressing these issues is unfair, especially when similar concerns in other countries are not similarly characterized. He also refuted the idea that foreigners are taking jobs, explaining that some employers exploit migrants by paying less than the minimum wage, which South Africans often refuse. Moroe detailed government efforts, including 80 arrests for vigilantism, and stated that the government is actively working to address issues, though not always in ways Nigerians might expect.

He also addressed the characteriza