South Africa apologises to Nigeria over xenophobic attacks

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has apologised to Nigeria over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in his country.

Jeff Radebe, a special envoy from South Africa, tendered an apology on behalf of the government and people of the country to President Muhammadu Buhari at the state house in Abuja on Monday.

Radebe apologised on behalf of his president for what he called “acts of criminality and violence” that recently occurred, adding that “such do not represent our value system, nor those of the larger number of South Africans”.

He said South Africa was an integral part of Africa, and is fully committed to peace and integration of the continent.

The special envoy disclosed that 10 people died during the attacks – two Zimbabweans and eight South Africans. He said there was no Nigerian casualty.

He added that South Africa remains eternally grateful for the role Nigeria played in ending apartheid, and hoped that the coming visit of the Nigerian President would solidify relationship between the two countries once again.

– The Cable