"Nigerians Are Bold and Ignorant" - South African Activist's Remarks Trigger Backlash Across Africa

A fresh wave of controversy has erupted across Africa following remarks by South African anti-immigration activist Phakel’Umthakathi, who issued a warning directed at Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in the country.

The activist, whose comments were captured in a widely circulated video, accused Nigerians of encouraging what he described as arrogance among foreign nationals and alleged that some migrants undermine South Africans.

“Nigerians must be very careful. Nigerians are very bold and ignorant. Other foreigners must dissociate themselves from Nigerians because Nigerians are the ones teaching people to be arrogant, to look down on South Africans and undermine South Africans,” he said in the video.

The remarks have triggered strong reactions on social media and across several African countries, with many users describing the comments as divisive and potentially dangerous amid already heightened tensions surrounding immigration in South Africa.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of ongoing anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, where some groups have intensified calls for stricter immigration controls and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from the country.

Several activist groups have recently organised demonstrations demanding tougher action against illegal immigration, arguing that undocumented migrants place pressure on public services, jobs and economic opportunities.

The issue has remained one of the most polarising subjects in South African public discourse, often drawing sharp reactions from both supporters and critics of stricter immigration policies.

Critics of the latest comments argue that singling out Nigerians risks inflaming xenophobic sentiments and unfairly stereotyping an entire community that has contributed significantly to South Africa’s economy, education sector and cultural landscape.

Many social media users from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and other African countries condemned the remarks, insisting that immigration challenges should not be blamed on specific nationalities.

Others called on political leaders and civil society organisations to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence rather than rhetoric capable of deepening divisions among Africans.

Supporters of the activist, however, defended his position, arguing that concerns about immigration and crime should not be dismissed and that South Africans have a right to raise issues affecting their communities.

The latest controversy has once again brought renewed attention to the recurring challenge of xenophobia in South Africa, where periodic attacks on foreign nationals and their businesses have strained relations with neighbouring African countries over the years.

Diplomatic tensions have occasionally emerged following incidents targeting migrants, particularly Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Ethiopians and other African nationals residing in South Africa.

Analysts warn that public figures and activists must exercise caution in addressing immigration issues, noting that inflammatory statements can quickly escalate tensions and undermine efforts aimed at fostering African unity and regional cooperation.

As reactions continue to pour in, the debate has expanded beyond immigration policy to broader questions about identity, economic opportunity, social integration and the future of intra-African relations in one of the continent’s most influential nations.