Outrage as alleged xenophobic remarks by South African politician spark outrage

A farewell event for Nigerians being repatriated from South Africa has sparked public outrage after a South African political figure allegedly made derogatory remarks describing Nigerians in inflammatory terms.

The incident reportedly occurred at an airport gathering where a woman identified as Thabile Sibeko, who described herself as the president of a political group known as the Inizwe Nathi Party, addressed journalists while bidding farewell to departing Nigerian nationals.

In widely circulated comments, Sibeko was quoted as making disparaging remarks about Nigerians while speaking at the event, a statement that has triggered backlash across social media and among migrant rights observers. Her comments were made as a group of Nigerians were being repatriated following rising tensions and reported xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa.

Meanwhile, the first batch of approximately 262 Nigerian returnee, including women and children reportedly arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday morning. The evacuees are part of ongoing repatriation efforts linked to recent unrest and attacks targeting foreign nationals in some communities.

The return of Nigerians comes amid renewed diplomatic and humanitarian concerns over the safety of migrants in South Africa, where episodes of xenophobic violence have periodically led to displacement and emergency evacuations in previous years.

Authorities in Nigeria are expected to continue coordinating reintegration support for returnees, while civil society groups have called for stronger bilateral engagement to address the root causes of anti-foreigner sentiment and improve protection for migrant communities.

As of press time, there has been no official statement from South African government authorities responding to the remarks attributed to Sibeko, and the claims remain based on media reports and circulating video footage.

The development has further intensified discussions around xenophobia, migration, and political rhetoric in South Africa, with observers warning against statements that could escalate tensions between communities.