South African high commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, has apologised to Nigerians, and other foreigners affected in the recent xenophobic attacks.
In an interview with NAN yesterday, he said the unjustifiable attacks were a poor representation of South Africa’s values. He said the South African government had taken measures to stop them.
“We reiterate our view that South Africans are generally not xenophobic,” Mnguni said.
“We are deeply saddened by these acts of violence that have taken place against the foreign nationals, especially the Nigerians affected in these communities.
“The South African government is sorry for the destruction and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.
“If they were, we would not have such a high number of foreign nationals who have successfully integrated into communities all over the country.
“No amount of anger or frustration can justify the attacks on foreign nationals and the looting of their shops.”
He said his country’s minister of home affairs had led a delegation to areas where crisis broke out, and that the police had been directed to provide security.
“We have dispatched a ministerial delegation to the affected communities in Johannesburg and Pretoria which is being led by the minister of home affairs, Malusi Gigaba, to address the issues in the area,” he said.
“The South African government is specifically interested in addressing the alleged claims of illegal activities of undocumented migrants which have been raised by communities.
“The police have been directed to work round the clock to protect both foreign nationals and citizens and to arrest looters and those committing these acts of violence…”