Nigerians have frequently found themselves at the centre of these debates, with several outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years resulting in attacks on foreign-owned businesses and communities.
Akindele Olunloyo, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), has blamed criminal activities by some Nigerians living in South Africa for fuelling the worsening anti-Nigerian sentiments and xenophobic attacks and killings of Nigerians in the country.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters, Olunloyo strongly noted that crime, rather than competition for jobs or economic opportunities, remains the biggest factor driving negative perceptions of Nigerians among South Africans.
His comments come amid recurring tensions over immigration in South Africa, where foreign nationals, particularly Africans from other countries, have often been accused of taking jobs, engaging in criminal activities, and placing pressure on public services.
Nigerians have frequently found themselves at the centre of these debates, with several outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years resulting in attacks on foreign-owned businesses and communities.
