By our reporter 2.4.2026
The South African government said it has no problem with Nigerians living legally in the country, but they are expected to behave themselves.
After a South Africa Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntsavheni warned that coronation of Nigerian kings like which sparked riots in KuGompo, formerly known as East London, would not be tolerated.
Chaos ensured in the Eastern Cape part of the country when an individual was coronated as “lgwe Ndigbo na East London” by the Nigerian community there. Nigerians were attacked by their South African hosts and their properties destroyed.
According to Ntshavheni the action is illegal since there is no law providing for the installation of a King in South Africa by foreigners. She described the event as “a mere kindergarten gimmick.”
She added stressed that the Traditional and Khoisan Leadership Act strictly regulates how authorities recognise traditional leaders and do not allow anyone to install themselves or others outside this process.
Meanwhile the Nigerian High Commission in letter to the South African government, apologised for the coronation, saying that it was not privy to the arrangements and pledging that the Nigerian community in South Africa will be of good behavior