A Nigerian returnee from South Africa, Itoro Richard, has shared his experience of living in the country, alleging that his family faced hostility because of his status as a foreign national and claiming that his South African wife was threatened over their marriage.
Richard made the allegations during an interview with Arise Television, where he reflected on his years in South Africa and discussed what he described as the challenges faced by many foreign nationals living in the country.
According to Richard, one of the most disturbing experiences involved his wife, who is a South African citizen. He claimed that she was allegedly warned by some South African natives that marrying a foreigner could have serious consequences.
Recounting the incident, Richard said, “My wife was told she would be arrested because as a South African national she is married to a foreign national and that we should take our families and leave.”
He said the alleged warning left the family deeply concerned and contributed to their decision to reassess their future in the country.
Richard also claimed that many foreign nationals in South Africa are subjected to verbal abuse and discriminatory language because of their nationality. According to him, such treatment goes beyond ordinary prejudice and often involves the use of offensive labels intended to portray foreigners as outsiders.
Describing what he said many immigrants experience, he stated, “They go so far as to demean your character as a human being, using derogatory names they call foreign nationals ‘kwere-kwere,’ meaning someone from outside who speaks a language they don’t understand, and other slurs.”
Richard explained that his early years in South Africa were largely peaceful and that he initially enjoyed living in the country. However, he said the atmosphere gradually changed, with increasing hostility directed toward foreigners in some communities.
According to him, the problem extends beyond immigration status, as many foreign nationals are perceived not simply as visitors but as people who do not belong in society. He argued that this perception has contributed to growing tension between some South Africans and immigrant communities.
Richard further suggested that economic competition is one of the factors fueling resentment. He claimed that many foreigners establish businesses with limited resources and, over time, succeed in expanding their enterprises, acquiring property, and improving their financial circumstances. According to him, these achievements sometimes generate hostility among individuals who believe immigrants are advancing too quickly…Discover More
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