The South African Consulate General, Lagos has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria, with focus on expanding trade, investment, cultural exchange, and people-to -people ties.
Speaking at a one-day tourism and media roundtable in Lagos, the South African Consul General, Bobby Moroe, said the mission remains dedicated to deepening corporation with the Nigerian government and its people.
He made the call while addressing recent concerns sparked by anti-migrants protest in South Africa, stressing that both counties share a long history of solidarity that must not be undermined.
According to Moroe who is a professor, ‘The story between South Africa and Nigeria is not a story of yesterday. It is a story of today, and tomorrow. A story of an intertwined future woven by years of our struggles for freedom and liberation.
‘Thirty-two years ago, when South Africa was walking out of the darkness of apartheid, Nigeria stood with us.
‘You opened your homes, your schools, your hearts. You gave scholarships. You gave solidarity. You gave voice when it was not famous to do so.
‘Today, we stand with you. Not just in words, but in trade, in culture, in sport, in family.
‘This roundtable is not a reaction. It is a reaffirmation of our relations with the people and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’.
While reassuring Nigerian government that South Africa remains safe for travel, tourism, business and study, the Consul General stated that the incidents witnessed are acts of criminality by certain sections of society to advance their own selfish interests, and do not reflect government policy nor the values of the majority of South Africans.
He affirmed that South Africa condemns all acts of violence against foreign nationals and any persons residing within the borders of the Republic.
‘The South African government and its law enforcement agencies are working with communities to ensure the safety of everyone in our country, including Nigerians’, he added.
The Consul General also emphasised that South Africans are not xenophobic as portrayed on social and mainstream media, noting that their relationship with Nigeria was built on solidarity and a shared common history of colonialism, and a common vision of a united, safer and more prosperous continent.
He also confirmed that South African missions in Lagos and Abuja are open and continue to process and issue visas to Nigerians.
In his words: ‘There is no ban on Nigerians travelling to South Africa, and our missions are not slowing down. We welcome Nigerian tourists, students and business travellers. South Africa is open for tourism and for business.
‘Our economic, cultural and people-to-people ties remain strong. We encourage more trade, more investment, and more travel between our two countries’.
He therefore, urged the media to verify facts with the Consulate before publication of any news concerning South Africa.
‘We are proposing a direct channel for fact-checking and regular briefings. Let us tell the full story of South Africa – one of hospitality, opportunity and African brotherhood.’
He commended all participants for their engagement and reiterateed that: ‘Our doors, our stadiums, and our hearts remain open to Nigerians’.
On her part, Deputy Consul General South Africa in Lagos, Kgothatso Xulu, affirmed that tourism between South Africa and Nigeria remains one of the most powerful instruments of modern economic diplomacy, capable of driving trade, investment, and cultural understanding.
‘This is a sector that creates jobs, drives investment, stimulates small businesses, supports aviation and hospitality industries, and deepens people-to-people connections between our nations,’ Xulu added.
Trade Relations Manager, West Africa, South African Tourism, Mohammed Tanko Kwajaffa commended the South African Consulate for convening the gathering which according to him reinforces a clear and timely message .
To him, South Africa is ready, accessible and actively welcoming Nigerian travellers.
‘South African Tourism remains committed to welcoming Nigerians travelling for leisure, business events and blended travel experiences.
‘We are encouraged by renewed enquiries from Nigerian travellers and are preparing to strengthen our promotional activity across relevant media platforms,’ he said.
He also encouraged the travel trade to continue providing accurate destination information adding, ‘as our research shows that even when travellers book flights and accommodation directly, they often rely on trusted travel agents for validation before making final decisions’.