…as Nigerians, host citizens now operate within their borders
…Government's efforts are yielding desired results
Call it peace at last, or whatever you like, this is the reality now in South Africa.
Citizens and foreigners are at peace with each other, as little or no unrest and attacks have been seen for a long time.
Interestingly, Nigerians, who are often hit by storms, seem to be taking a new turn.
“Up Naija. My brothers, we are one people,” airport official Sizwe Bonga greeted some Nigerian passengers as they arrived at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport recently.
The driver of the tour company handling logistics for some of the passengers also greeted him with 'sharp', a South African slang which means 'right' or 'cool' in Nigerian.
Curious about the good behavior of almost everyone since landing, a Cameroon-born serial entrepreneur who also enjoyed courtesy asked rhetorically, What's going on?
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According to hotel supervisor Tekhale Sifiso, what is happening is 'Ubuntu'.
Ubuntu is a South African word meaning 'humanity towards others', often reminding people that 'I am what I am because of who we all are.'
“Yes, this is Ubuntu for all. I can't be here if you guys are not coming, there will be no South Africa if there is no Nigeria and there will be no Kenya if there is no Ghana,” he explained.
“We realize this and we want everyone to live in the Ubuntu spirit and principles because it encourages peaceful co-existence between us Africans and other peoples,” Sifiso enthused.
However, Sifiso, a fan of Orlando Pirates Football Club, said that those who do not live in the 'Ubuntu' spirit and who commit crimes are treated accordingly, whether South African citizens or foreigners.
He urged, “It's all about respect, the golden law and following the law because South Africa is highly diverse. Don't give anyone a chance to mess you up, do the right thing and the law will protect you.”
In line with Sifiso's explanation, there is now understanding rather than retaliation, and 'ubuntu' rather than oppression.
Also, Joshua Ossum, a Nigerian professional living in South Africa, agreed with Sifiso, saying that the host country's relations with foreigners have improved significantly in recent times.
The PhD holder, who has been in South Africa for 15 years, enthused that things are better now, stressing that brotherhood and tolerance have increased in recent times.
“I came to this country about 15 years ago on a study visa, I earned all my degrees up to PhD level and I am here working in most provinces and also making an impact on the host country economy,” said Awesome, an executive coaching psychologist, mental health advocate and founder, African Institute of the Mind.
He confessed that he has lived a peaceful and better life in the country for so long because “I live within the law”.
According to him, the period of crisis for foreigners is over, but it does not mean that people involved in crime will not be arrested.
“This is not about harassment again, but about following the law, respecting the host country and its citizens, if you are clean the law will always protect you,” he said.
Narrowing it down to the Nigerian community in South Africa, Awesome observed that there has been peaceful co-existence in recent times.
He attributed the good development to Nigerian citizens becoming more aware that they need to do the right thing, stay away from crime and most importantly, become economic immigrants.
“Each host country wants to attract foreigners who are professionals, people with the necessary skills or investors who are willing to partner with locals to boost the economy.
“That's why I call myself an economic immigrant because I'm contributing to the economy of South Africa.
They need me here, my knowledge and my skills. Don't forget that I did my schooling here,'' he said.
Daniel Imamere, CEO, Heavenly Boutique Guest House, a boutique offering south of Johannesburg, fits well into the economic immigrant category, which Awesome says is in demand in South Africa.
Nigerian-American hospitality investor Imamere, who co-owns the hotel with his South African wife, obtained all the necessary approvals, refurbishing the business, employing citizens and making a positive impact on the economy.
“I have been here for the last decade and have been running the hotel for nine years without any problem
I came as an investor, submitted proof, did the right thing, got all the approvals and my life and investments are safe,” he said.
The hotelier and PhD holder in theology expressed his enthusiasm over the peaceful co-existence between citizens and foreigners, saying that tolerance levels have improved, while foreigners have also started respecting the country's laws more.
Speaking on the place for foreigners, especially Nigerians, in the South African business environment, Imamere said, “As a Nigerian, setting up a business here was not easy, but the reality of my purpose paved the way for me.
“First of all, they need to trust you. Once South Africans trust you, they will go the extra mile to ensure that you achieve your dreams.”
The above supports Osam's thoughts about the host country that foreigners always reap what they sow, hence the need to do the right thing.
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“The beauty I am experiencing is because of the beauty within me as a person. I don't create unnecessary stress at any place here. I don't talk to people in an aggressive manner. I don't allow myself to get pulled into a place where unnecessary things start to emerge.
He said, “I am saying this because I think a lot of people who do not live here have a wrong perception about the country and they become warriors through their keyboards.”
But Onyakachi Nduli, a Cape Town-based business owner, said the peaceful co-existence is also because Nigerians have now organized themselves and this is attracting respect from the host country.
“Before now, we had many associations, even village groups. But the Nigerian Consulate here has done a good job by overseeing the elections at the Consulate, which has created a recognized association for all Nigerian residents here,” Nduli said.
According to him, the immediate benefits from the organization include a centralized information channel, harmonized data of Nigerian citizens and quick assistance for any citizen in critical situations.
“The fact that the police now approach the Consulate directly for data or any information on a Nigerian citizen and the Consulate also works with the accrediting association to ensure that the citizen in question is a documented Nigerian, is worthy of commendation,” Nduli said.
Also appreciating the good behavior of the Nigerian Consulate, Osam expressed excitement to hear that the Embassy now recognizes a union and even supported elections inside the Consulate.
“This is a good start,” he said, stressing that it could get better.
“To make it better, people out there need to see themselves as public servants. After all, that's what a public servant is all about,” he said.
A Nigerian employee of PWD, South Africa, who requested anonymity, explained that the peaceful coexistence is also because most Nigerians, especially professionals, have taken it upon themselves to regularize their documents, while business owners are getting the necessary approvals.
“The issue in the past has been more of illegitimate migration. We have crossed that stage now because the law here is clear about the serious consequences of visa overstay, document forgery, drug trafficking and fraud.
“I am an auditor and I have been encouraging Nigerian businesses here to get the necessary approvals, pay dues to the authorities and move closer to the Consulate.
Then, do not bring your brother or friend from Nigeria who does not have education or skills because that person will be deported,” he said.
He also observed that there are fewer stories of deportations and arrests these days.
He said, “I think, our countrymen are adjusting faster than anyone would have ever imagined, with many people relocating from here to the UK, the US and small African countries, especially Angola. People come from here too, especially our academics, doctors and other professionals.”
The auditor also praised the government in his home country and stressed that such reform would not be possible without sustained diplomatic effort.
“I don’t see Nigerians storming South Africa again. Even if there is xenophobia, most Nigerians will be safe because there is a different mindset now, many people who can afford safe neighbors are coming here, we are cutting down on our ostentatious living here and it is good for our image,” he concluded.
Anthony Mutume, a Kenyan citizen living in Johannesburg, also said peace is not just for Nigerians, but for every law-abiding resident.
“We Kenyans do not need a visa to come to South Africa again. But we cannot abuse that privilege because our country believes in visa reciprocity, which means the host country can withdraw the privilege if there is abuse,” he said.
He pointed out that citizens of other African countries visit South Africa more than South Africans, so the question of why South Africans come to their respective countries is no longer being asked by the host as to why should you all come here.
“I am a trained herder and tour guide. I was hired by a tour company here two years ago and I am living well.
“So, I think people with skills will always be welcomed here,” he said.
Taking a different stance, Ikeja-based tour operator Damilola Ogini attributed the lack of peaceful co-existence to the massive visa denial by the South African Embassy in Nigeria, which, he said, has reduced the number of Nigerian visa applicants, and as a result, reduced the number of Nigerian residents in the country.
“Visas are expensive, there is a lot of stress and denials are increasing. So, why would I encourage clients to go to South Africa when other destinations offer more visas,” she questioned.
Jonas Ndoma, who recently had a successful South Africa visa application in Lagos, decried the declining number of applicants at the VFS center in Lekki, Lagos, which handles visa document processing for the South Africa Embassy in Lagos.
“I travel to South Africa frequently. Many times the section for South Africa visa processing at the VFS center is overloaded with multiple deadlines to accommodate the huge numbers.
But I have not seen such numbers in recent times, although he said some people prefer online visas,'' Ndoma said.
On his part, Eric Obinwa, a senior lecturer at a private university, attributed the declining numbers to the 'Japa' syndrome, saying many Nigerians are not considering South Africa for 'Japa'.
“People are moving to the UK, Canada and the US, even South Africa, some people are moving from there to Canada. I have two colleagues who have moved to schools in the UK and the Netherlands for jobs,” he said.
As for business, he said Asian countries are priority destinations for Nigerians, especially China, India and Malaysia, which do not tolerate drugs.
Overall, most Nigerians in South Africa are happy with the developments, but they hope that peaceful co-existence will continue, while South African citizens and officials alike expect their hosts to continue to behave well.
“We need everyone to work towards maintaining this peace because it is to our benefit. The Nigerian Consulate, the Centralized Nigerian Union, our professionals and business owners should not relax now.
Let’s put the pressure on ourselves to do the right thing and stop the infighting to stay safe and peaceful here,” Nduli concluded.
