By Paul Joseph
South African activist Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, widely known as Phakel’umthakathi, has ignited controversy after ordering South African women married to Nigerian men to leave the country and settle in Nigeria.
The comments, which gained traction across social media, were made amid growing anti-migrant campaigns and vigilante rhetoric directed at foreign nationals living in South Africa. Although widely circulated, the remarks do not constitute government policy and have no legal or constitutional backing.
Despite this, the activist’s bold declaration has raised questions among many Nigerians and other observers, who argue that the lack of immediate official action against such inflammatory statements could embolden xenophobic sentiments.
The development has triggered heated reactions across Africa, with critics describing the remarks as discriminatory and capable of deepening tensions between South Africans and migrant communities.
Others advocates also warned that targeting women in cross-national marriages could expose families to harassment and social exclusion.
As concerns over xenophobia persist, women married to Nigerians have strengthened support networks such as the United Nigerian Wives in South Africa (UNWISA), an organisation established to provide solidarity, challenge stigma and promote peaceful coexistence.
The South African government has consistently rejected anti-migrant threats and vigilantism. President Cyril Ramaphosa and other senior officials have repeatedly maintained that the country remains a constitutional democracy where disputes must be resolved through the rule of law rather than intimidation or violence.
The latest controversy has renewed calls for authorities to reinforce protections for all residents, irrespective of nationality, while encouraging dialogue and tolerance to prevent further division within South Africa’s diverse society.
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