National News – President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged foreign nationals living in South Africa to respect local laws and traditions, as renewed anti-foreigner tensions surface across parts of the country.

Ramaphosa stressed that while South Africa remains committed to human rights and global cooperation, it will strictly enforce immigration laws.

His remarks come as isolated protests and incidents of looting and harassment have triggered fears of a resurgence in xenophobic violence.

However, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, sought to calm anxieties, stating that Nigerians are not under coordinated attack and that the situation is “under control.”

He described viral videos of harassment as exaggerated and not reflective of the broader South African population.

Locally, reactions among Nigerians have been mixed.

Some diaspora families are adopting precautionary measures, while others remain cautiously optimistic, citing previous cycles of tension that did not escalate nationwide.

Analysts note that economic pressure, unemployment, and misinformation often fuel such flashpoints.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised citizens to avoid confrontations, stay informed through local media, and comply with safety directives.

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is reportedly working closely with South African authorities to ensure citizens’ protection.

From a broader perspective, the situation underscores persistent challenges in African migration policy and regional integration.

While Ramaphosa’s message reinforces sovereignty, critics argue that rhetoric must be matched with firm action against violence.

Ultimately, the coming days will test both governments’ ability to manage tensions, protect lives, and uphold diplomatic relations without inflaming public sentiment.