With the dust raised so far by the escalated xenophobic attacks on Nigerians by South Africans in the country, it is interesting to note and recall what Nelson Mandela said about Nigeria’s involvement in the fight against apartheid.
The video below shows Nelson Mandela thanking Nigeria for fighting against apartheid. History has it that he was hidden in Nigeria for 6 months. Nigeria’s then ex Foreign Affairs Minister, Jaja Wachuku saved him from the death penalty in 1963/64. It is also note worthy that Nigeria gave black South Africans free education and 300 passports to travel.
Xenophobic attacks have been targeted at Nigerians and are said to have been triggered by several arrests of Nigerians for drug dealing, sex trafficking and prostitution in South Africa. Many South Africans have accused their police of taking bribes. This has led to many legitimate Nigerian shops being looted.
