The Nigeria Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the killings, brutality and injustices constantly inflicted upon Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
President-General of NICASA, Mr Frank Onyekwelu, who condemned the aforementioned infractions in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday – earlier today, March 21 – said: “This day serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for human rights and the responsibility we all share in upholding them.”
He was speaking against the backdrop of the 2025 commemoration of National Human Rights Day in South Africa, celebrated yearly on March 21, to emphasise the need for respect for human dignity.
According to him, the Nigerian community in the country stands in solidarity with all who cherish freedom, dignity and equality.
“Human rights are not a privilege, but a fundamental entitlement of every human being regardless of nationality, race or background.
“As Nigerians living in South Africa, we, too, are protected under these universal rights – the right to life, the right to associate and the right to coexist peacefully.
“Yet, we cannot ignore the painful reality that many of our brothers and sisters have suffered violence, discrimination and even death, in the hands of those who reject these fundamental principles.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms, the killings, brutality and injustices that have been inflicted upon Nigerian citizens and other foreign nationals in South Africa,” Onyekwelu stressed.
Expressing the need for both local and foreign nationals in the country to be committed to promoting justice, equality and peace, and demanding an end to violence and discrimination as well, Onyekwelu pointed out that people must be allowed to work closely together, to build South Africa .
“No person should ever live in fear because of their nationality, no person should be denied their right to life, safety and dignity.
“Violence against any group is an attack on the very fabric of our shared humanity; in the words of Nelson Mandela, to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the South African government’s efforts in addressing these issues, but we urge for more decisive action. Justice must be served for those who have lost their lives unjustly.
“Perpetrators of xenophobic attacks and police brutality must be held accountable. We must work together to ensure South Africa remains a place for all who contribute to its development, regardless of origin.
“To our Nigerian brothers and sisters, let us stand united, uphold values of peace, respect and mutual understanding; let us continue to contribute positively to the growth of this nation,” he said.
The NICASA boss stated that by doing so, they would prove that they are not just residents in the country but also partners in progress, in terms of uniting the people and rebranding Nigeria’s image
He urged South Africans to reject forces seeking to bring division between Nigeria and South Africa that share a common history of struggle, but try seeking a future built on principles of “Ubuntu” humanity towards others.
“Together, we can build a society where diversity is celebrated and where every person, regardless of their nationality, enjoys the protection of the law,” Onyekwelu said.
The Day marks the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, where 69 protestors were killed by police during a peaceful demonstration against Pass Laws, a pivotal event in the fight against apartheid, reminding all peoples about the struggle for democracy, importance of human rights and promoting reflection on progress made in protecting these rights.
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