By Comrade Kunle Sodipo FICSSM, MNINM, ANIPR
_June 8, 2026_
kdrexafricanchild@gmail.com
_An Appreciative Word to South Africa + A Hard Mirror for Nigeria_
Fellow Africans, there are moments when a leader speaks and a nation remembers who it is. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s broadcast on xenophobia and illegal immigration is one of those moments. Strong. Clear. Honest. Patriotic.
So tonight, let me commend South Africa, and then let me ask Nigeria one painful question.
1. Why South Africa Deserves Applause
In that address, President Ramaphosa did 4 things most leaders run away from:
1. He listened first.
“These concerns are real. They deserve to be heard. They deserve to be addressed.” When was the last time a leader said that to citizens worried about jobs, clinics, safety? He didn’t dismiss them as “hate.” He called their fears legitimate.
2. He separated citizens from criminals.
He said: _Every person within South Africa’s borders should be here legally. Every worker must be legally permitted. Every business must be legally permitted._ That’s not xenophobia. That’s sovereignty. That’s law. Protecting legally documented foreigners while removing illegal ones is the balance every sane nation seeks.
3. He took responsibility.
He admitted weaknesses: gaps in enforcement, corruption in Home Affairs, systems that failed the people. Then he announced action: 10,000 new labour inspectors, dedicated immigration courts, biometric Digital ID, penalties for employers exploiting undocumented workers, border tech upgrades. Talk + Action = Leadership.
4. He protected both safety and dignity.
“We can protect our borders while protecting human dignity. We can enforce our laws while upholding our Constitution.” That line should be framed in every Government House in Africa. Security without cruelty. Law without lawlessness.
South Africa said: _“South Africans first, but humanity still matters.”_ That is governance with backbone and heart.
2. The Mirror Nigeria Must Face
Now the hard part, Nigeria.
While South Africa was telling its people “your concerns about jobs, clinics, security are valid and we will act,” what story is Nigeria telling its own citizens who are currently being kidnapped and killed at home by terrorists, bandits and various criminal elements? what hope are we giving to our lawful citizens who are daily being embarrassed, humiliated and shamed on foreign lands ?
We spend trillions on “security votes” yet farmers cannot farm.
We preach “national unity” yet foreign companies import labor for jobs Nigerians can do.
We talk “citizen welfare” yet our systems often bend faster for undocumented interests than for documented Nigerians bleeding in IDP camps.
Countries like Nigeria must ask themselves: Why do we sometimes prioritize the comfort of every manner of foreigner above the safety and interest of the Nigerian who owns this land?
South Africa’s broadcast reminded the world: A country that does not protect its citizens first cannot protect anyone. A government that cannot secure borders cannot secure hospitals. A nation that cannot enforce law for all will lose the loyalty of all.
3. The Fascinating Lesson for Africa
President Ramaphosa proved something fascinating: You can be tough on illegal immigration without being hateful to foreigners. You can defend South African jobs without burning down a spaza shop. You can say “no to lawlessness” and still say “yes to Ubuntu.”
That is strength. That is clarity. That is what we mean by “interest of citizens + rights of legal residents.”
Nigeria must learn this fast. We must separate the weeds from the wheat in our own house too. Documented foreigners who add value must be protected. Illegal migration that fuels crime, undercuts wages, and burdens services must be addressed. Our citizens must feel the state before strangers do.
4. To South Africans
Not all foreigners enters your country illegally. I was in your country “Pretoria” to be precise in August 2025 and i did so legally. I came in with a 3 months valid visitors visa, spent only 1 week and returned to my country. I was in Istanbul Turkiye this year January 2026 also on a valid 3 months visitors visa, spent another 1 week and returned to Nigeria my country. Some of us hates intimidation and can’t stand being embarrassed on foreign lands.
While in Pretoria, I witnessed a routine raid of foreigners by the South African Police. I was told to run because according to people around me, the South African Police often arrests and intimidate foreigners with valid documents. I decided to remain where I was standing and chose not to run, hoping that I will be arrested and intimidated with my valid visitors visa.
Luckily for me, the South African Police personnel either missed my sight or decided to let me be. Though I was told I may not be lucky next time. Such targeted raids and intimidation of foreigners with valid visas should no longer persist as such actions puts a dent on the global image of the South African Police.
Final Word: Commendation + Challenge
To South Africa & President Ramaphosa:
Thank you for showing Africa that a government can face hard truths without losing its soul. Thank you for choosing law over noise, order over chaos, citizens over excuses. May your enforcement be fair, your borders secure, and your people prosperous.
To Nigeria & Our Leaders:
The broadcast is free on YouTube. Listen again. Citizens are asking difficult but legitimate questions too: Are our borders secure? Are our jobs protected? Is our security vote delivering security? The answer cannot be silence. It cannot be “all foreigners are welcome” while “our own people are endangered.”
A nation that puts its people first is not wicked. A nation that doesn’t, is not wise.
South Africa chose wisdom this week. Nigeria, the ball is in our court.
kdrexafricanchild@gmail.com
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