Thousands protest in South Africa against undocumented foreigners, raising concerns among foreign nationals
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Thousands of anti-immigration protesters marched across South Africa on Tuesday, demanding the removal of undocumented foreigners. These demonstrations, which occurred under a heavy police presence, have heightened concerns among foreign nationals, including Nigerians. The protests followed an unofficial June 30 deadline issued by anti-migration campaigners for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa urged demonstrators to avoid intimidation and threats, emphasizing the need for peaceful protests while acknowledging the government's focus on immigration reforms. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, with isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting. In Johannesburg, the city center was quiet, with businesses closed and a strong police presence. Some protesters threw bricks, smashing windows in Yeoville, a suburb with a large African migrant population. Police arrested five people in Soweto for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop and another five in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, for an alleged tuck shop break-in. Many foreign nationals have reportedly fled due to violence and intimidation, with 25,000 people, mostly from other African countries, repatriated. Nigerians in South Africa sought refuge at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria due to fears of xenophobic attacks. The Federal Government continues its voluntary evacuation program, with 271 Nigerians arriving in Lagos from Johannesburg on Tuesday. This ongoing effort assis
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Must ReadFollowing an attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, 37 children are reportedly still missing. The incident occurred on Monday around 9 a.m. while students were taking the National Examinations Council examination. Two teachers were killed, and an unspecified number of students were abducted. Parents have registered missing persons, with one parent, Mbula Bura, confirming 37 names have been recorded, including his 19-year-old daughter, Esther Mbula. Another parent, Emmanuel Dari, stated his 16-year-old daughter, Lucy Emmanuel, was abducted from her classroom. A resident, Bitrus Milnda, reported two relatives, Martha Wajau and Abori Ujulu, both SSS1 students, were also abducted. The state government has sent a delegation, led by Commissioner for Education Lawan Wakilbe, to assess the situation. The Nigerian Army confirmed the rescue of 10 victims, including teachers and students, abducted during the attack. The Acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, stated that two security operatives, a soldier and a Civilian Joint Task Force member, died during the rescue operation. The 10 victims were rescued unhurt by ground troops with air support after engaging the abductors around the Daggu area. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.
Must ReadMore than 50 Nigerian companies have begun adopting global sustainability reporting standards, ahead of the country's mandatory implementation deadline in 2028. The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria FRC has warned that companies failing to embrace sustainability reporting risk losing access to international capital, export markets, and strategic partnerships. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the FRC, stated at the 5th Annual Nigeria Employers’ Summit that transparency is now crucial for investment and competitiveness. Investors, lenders, and customers increasingly assess how businesses manage risks, govern operations, respond to environmental challenges, and create long-term value, beyond just financial statements. Olowo emphasized that sustainability reporting is not merely a regulatory burden but a common language in global finance, helping investors determine which companies are resilient enough to attract long-term capital. The FRC has developed a four-phase roadmap for adopting International Sustainability Standards Board standards, with early adopters including MTN Nigeria, Seplat Energy, Fidelity Bank, and Access Bank. Over 4,500 professionals from more than 215 organizations have been trained to support this transition. Titilope Oguntuga, Director of Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, highlighted that sustainability reporting focuses on how organizations conduct business and manage their societal and environmental impacts. Kemi Adisa, G
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe, stated that Nigeria's primary obstacle to national development is the ineffective implementation of public policies, rather than a lack of good policies. He made this observation at the public presentation of Professor Peter Owonaro’s book, “Pills to Policy: Pharmacy Practice Research in the Niger Delta,” held in Yenagoa. Akpe noted that poor policy implementation is particularly evident in the pharmaceutical industry, rendering healthcare service guidelines ineffective. He commended Professor Owonaro for his book, which provides operational guidelines for pharmaceutical practice, and for his academic contributions. Akpe emphasized the importance of policies in combating drug abuse, citing the Bayelsa State Drug Abuse, Addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee BADAPARC, where Professor Owonaro serves as Chief Executive Officer and collaborates with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA. Gloria Diri, the governor's wife, also praised Professor Owonaro's work. Professor Owonaro expressed gratitude to Governor Douye Diri and Deputy Governor Akpe for their support and for his appointment as Chairman of BADAPARC, and acknowledged others who contributed to the book's success and the establishment of health institutions in the state.