Nigeria consulate warns citizens ahead of South Africa anti-foreigner protests

The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has issued a safety advisory to Nigerian nationals in South Africa ahead of planned nationwide anti-foreigner protests scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026.

The advisory, released on Sunday and signed by the Consul General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, warned citizens to remain alert following reports of coordinated demonstrations across all nine provinces of South Africa.

According to the mission, it received intelligence that anti-foreigner groups have been mobilising residents through circulated messages calling for a nationwide shutdown aimed at pressuring authorities to take action against foreign nationals.

The organisers are reportedly alleging that foreigners benefit disproportionately from South Africa’s resources and are demanding the removal of both documented and undocumented migrants.

The groups are also planning street marches intended to push for the exit of foreign nationals from the country.

While protests are expected across multiple regions, the consulate noted that specific assembly points have not been confirmed in most cities.

However, in Johannesburg, demonstrators are expected to gather at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.

The march is scheduled to take place between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., with a memorandum expected to be presented to authorities around noon.

Security concerns have been raised over possible disruptions in major business districts, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban.

The consulate urged Nigerians to exercise caution and avoid any form of confrontation with protesters.

“All Nigerian nationals are strongly advised to avoid engaging demonstrators or confronting them,” the advisory stated, adding that citizens should stay informed through local media and take necessary safety precautions.

Nigerian business owners were also advised to consider temporarily closing their businesses during the period of the protests, amid concerns that foreign-owned establishments could be at risk.